City of Bessemer Frank House Golf Course
Offering an affordable and approachable 18-hole public layout, City of Bessemer Frank House Golf Course combines firm fairways, improved greens, and a relaxed pace of play. Known for its first-come, first-served policy, this course appeals to golfers seeking a straightforward round without the pressure of reserved tee times.
Course Overview
City of Bessemer Frank House Golf Course stands as a welcoming public venue for golfers seeking an affordable and straightforward experience without the frills of private clubs. Located in Bessemer, Alabama, this 18-hole layout offers a challenge balanced by accessibility, making it an attractive stop for players of varying skill levels. The course's design emphasizes playability over pretension, with fairways that reward accuracy and greens that demand careful approach shots. While it lacks the manicured polish of top-tier facilities, its value lies in providing a genuine round of golf for around $25, a rare find in the region.
The setting combines open expanses with patches of mature trees framing select holes, introducing pockets of strategic complexity. Fairways trend firm, and the rough occasionally presents rocky sections, encouraging players to keep the ball in play and favor center-line positioning. The putting surfaces have seen ongoing improvements, with greens recently upgraded to enhance roll and responsiveness, though conditions can fluctuate, especially in off-season periods when the grass goes dormant.
Operationally, Frank House Golf Course embraces a first-come, first-served tee time policy. This approach demands an early arrival, particularly on weekends and holidays, to avoid long waits for carts or tee-times. Carts are available but guests often walk the course, which is recommended by seasoned locals who appreciate the moderate terrain and the course’s pedestrian-friendly layout. The absence of tee time reservations underscores the casual atmosphere but also requires some patience during busier periods.
Plans to add a driving range and the recent hiring of a dedicated greens superintendent signal a commitment to gradual enhancement, aiming to elevate the playing surface over time. Amenities remain modest, focusing attention squarely on the core golfing experience without distractions.
For golfers seeking a solid regional option that trades luxury for authenticity, City of Bessemer Frank House Golf Course delivers an honest round. Its approachable design invites newcomers, while its subtle challenges keep more experienced players engaged. The occasional local dog roaming the grounds adds to the familiar and unpretentious nature of this course, bolstering its reputation as a community favorite where a good round and a friendly atmosphere meet.
Course Highlights
The course features firm fairways and greens undergoing upgrades, a no-tee-time policy encouraging early arrival, and a layout that favors strategic shot placement. Pockets of tree-lined holes add variety, and ongoing enhancements point to future quality improvements. The course's community atmosphere includes occasional local wildlife sightings and a relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Honey Scott Franklin
Tim Trainer
Kyle Brooks
This course is getting better. Greens are being upgraded. Nice course for a round of golf. Value is good for the rate. You don't need a tee time. However, holidays can get crowded. Don't expect plush greens or emaculate fairways. However, the greens are being improved. The fairways are still hard pan, and getting on the edges can put you in some rough, rocky spots. Playing from the center of the fairway gives you a decent chance to get to the green. You can enjoy a round with your friends and on occasion you'll see some really nice sunsets. I give it a 3.8. They are in the process of adding a driving range. Little by little, it continues to improve. I've been informed that they are bringing on a greens superintendent. That will continue to help with the improvements.
Nick
As long as you’re not expecting Pebble Beach, you should be satisfied. Every public golf course could be in better shape, this one is no exception. The price is about as good as it gets, the course itself is fun and there are a few challenging holes. There are some dogs on the course from time to time, never had an issue with any of them. No tee times, first come, first serve!
Tina Thi Phan
Perfect day to go golfing. First time venturing here and I love the space. Lines move quickly to get rounds started.
Kyle Brooks
This course is getting better. Greens are being upgraded. Nice course for a round of golf. Value is good for the rate. You don't need a tee time. However, holidays can get crowded. Don't expect plush greens or emaculate fairways. However, the greens are being improved. The fairways are still hard pan, and getting on the edges can put you in some rough, rocky spots. Playing from the center of the fairway gives you a decent chance to get to the green. You can enjoy a round with your friends and on occasion you'll see some really nice sunsets. I give it a 3.8. They are in the process of adding a driving range. Little by little, it continues to improve. I've been informed that they are bringing on a greens superintendent. That will continue to help with the improvements.
Trenton Giles
Best $25 round of golf in the state. Well maintained and most of the greens are in good shape. Still plays well even with the grass dormant. Get there early! They don't do tee times it's just walk-ups so if you show up after about 10am on a weekend prepare to wait on a cart. They don't force people to double up so the carts go fast!
Nick
As long as you’re not expecting Pebble Beach, you should be satisfied. Every public golf course could be in better shape, this one is no exception. The price is about as good as it gets, the course itself is fun and there are a few challenging holes. There are some dogs on the course from time to time, never had an issue with any of them. No tee times, first come, first serve!
Will Bass
You get what you pay for here, about $25 hard to beat but the maintenance is little to none and most of the staff is cool aside from one guy that has an insufferable personality. If you don’t run into him you’ll have a good day.
mac wright
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Course Details
Access & Location
801 Golf Course Rd, Bessemer, AL 35022, USA
Modest clubhouse with basic check-in and refreshment facilities
Walking permitted and common; flat terrain suitable for comfortable rounds. Recommended footwear includes spikeless or soft spikes for firm fairways.
No tee times accepted; first-come, first-served walk-up play only
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