Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham delivers an inviting 18-hole experience with a compact, precision-focused layout. Well-maintained and suited for players of varying skill levels, it offers a strategic test just minutes from downtown.
Highland Park Golf Course, located at 3300 Highland Ave in Birmingham, Alabama, offers an 18-hole layout that blends approachable play with a well-maintained urban setting. Stretching just over 5,800 yards from its back tees, this course caters to a broad range of golfers, from beginners to scratch players, thanks to three distinct sets of tees. Its shorter length encourages strategic shot-making rather than sheer power, making it an inviting challenge without overwhelming distance.
The course unfolds through a gently rolling terrain defined by tight fairways and greens guarded by bunkers that demand precision. Its compact layout weaves through mature trees and natural elevation changes, providing a quiet retreat from the city’s bustle while emphasizing accuracy. The putting surfaces are generally smooth and quick, testing green reading skills, though their relative firmness means approach shots need careful distance control.
Highland Park’s maintenance standards reflect those of more exclusive venues, with fairways and greens kept in meticulous condition. This attention to detail enhances the play experience and allows every element of the course to shine. However, the narrow corridors between holes heighten the importance of pace-of-play etiquette, as proximity between groups sometimes leads to crowded conditions.
While golf carts are permitted only on cart paths, walking the course is feasible but requires sturdy footwear and some stamina to manage the gentle hills. The clubhouse offers comfortable facilities and dining options, making it a comfortable place to regroup after a round.
This course is primarily geared toward members but welcomes guests through member sponsorship. Its combination of exacting short-game challenges and manageable yardage makes Highland Park a noteworthy destination for players seeking an urban course that remains true to classic golf principles. Visitors should plan their rounds thoughtfully to avoid peak times when the course is busiest to ensure a more measured and enjoyable pace.
In all, Highland Park Golf Course stands as a solid example of a city course balanced between quality conditioning and accessible playability, offering Birmingham golfers a rewarding test within easy reach of downtown.
Highland Park’s strength lies in its compact, precision-driven layout that rewards accuracy more than length. Mature tree lines frame narrow fairways, while undulating greens place a premium on short-game skills. The course’s urban setting provides a rare green space within the city, maintained to high standards comparable to private clubs. Though modest in length, the design presents a layered challenge that balances walkability with strategic shot placement.
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3300 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
Highland Park Golf Course Clubhouse with pro shop and dining
Walking is allowed and encouraged, but course features rolling hills and cart path-only policy; good walking shoes are advised.
Open to the public; tee times recommended, especially on weekends.