RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes
RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes challenges players with three distinct nine-hole courses set against Alabama’s scenic highlands. Each route pushes strategic thinking along mountain ridges and lakeside fairways, offering a rigorous test for all skill levels.
Course Overview
Situated in Gadsden, Alabama, the RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes presents a demanding 27-hole championship layout that tests every facet of a golfer's game. This public course, part of the renowned Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, features three distinctive nine-hole segments named Mindbreaker, Heartbreaker, and Backbreaker. Each routing offers a different strategic puzzle, blending mountain contours with sweeping lake views and challenging conditions that will push even skilled golfers.
The terrain folds naturally into the surrounding landscape, with elevation changes that prompt thoughtful club selection and shot shaping. Fairways wind through wooded corridors and beside serene water hazards, while greens are positioned on subtle ridges or sloping plateaus—requiring precision approaches and careful reads. A steady breeze often skims the course, adding another layer of complexity to shot execution and tempo.
From the back tees, the course stretches over 7,600 yards with a rigorous slope rating exceeding 150, positioning it among the tougher tests in the region. However, golfers of varying skill levels can find suitable tees as the layout accommodates friendly play without sacrificing its competitive edge. The routing encourages intelligent play over raw power, rewarding measured risk-taking and controlled shotmaking.
The clubhouse at Silver Lakes offers a welcoming atmosphere with full dining and locker room facilities. Players appreciate the staff's attention to detail, though pace of play can vary on busy days due to the course’s popularity. Walking is encouraged, and the fairways and greens condition well throughout the season, especially in spring and fall when temperatures are mild.
Three distinct nines provide variety that keeps the experience fresh if you plan to play a full 27 holes. Mindbreaker challenges smart navigation, Heartbreaker demands patience around tricky greens, and Backbreaker tests resolve on uphill carries. For golfers seeking a scenic, strategically deep journey through the Alabama highlands, Silver Lakes delivers a memorable round that balances breathtaking views with authentic championship golf.
Course Highlights
Comprised of three nine-hole courses—Mindbreaker, Heartbreaker, and Backbreaker—this layout blends mountain slopes, water features, and challenging green complexes. Its strategic demands emphasize accurate tee shots and precise irons, with consistently strong conditioning and panoramic views of regional lakes and ridgelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Kurt Wiese
OK, I'm on a long golf vacation across the South, and I have time to play one course in Alabama before heading home to New Jersey. I picked the RTG Silver Lakes, and I'm glad I did. Absolutely beautiful! So after checking the scorecard I see that it is the longest and hardest rated course I've ever played. So naturally I decided to play from the tips. (Please note that I realized I didn't belong there, but the course was empty so I decided to give it a go...) 7,674 yards, course rating 77.7, slope 151. My goal was to break 100, and I shot a smooth 99. Mission accomplished! And I had a blast doing it.
A Mac
Yesterday we golfed the Links at the Grand Natioanl. Staff is very friendly. The proshop had more ladies merchandise than Capital Hil so that's a plus anfany more ladies on the course. Tough course and enjoyable. The 4 is because it was another more than 4 1/2 hour round. Waiting at every single hole. The Marshall was around but I'm not sure what was being done.
Rachel
Willie Porter
Jorge Garcia
One of the hardest on the trail. Each of the three 9s is true to its name. Mindbreaker is tough if you haven't played it before. Heartbreaker breaks your heart when you hit the green and the ball doesn't stick or when you hit the fairway and lose your ball altogether. Every green on the backbreaker is on a hill that you have to climb. Then you have to think about the wind as there's a constant breeze that's always present. Be ready for a challenge here.
K Richard Nicola
Will Mac
I love this place. It's super convenient from Atlanta and couldn't be more challenging. The 3 separate 9s each provide ridiculous shot making skills. Shooting below 80 from the orange (6700) to the black (7800) is impressive.
Ryan Pazderic
Course was great, but management needs to stick to 10 minute tee times.. not every five minutes. Just slammed the course with golfers to stand around at every hole. Sucks when you drive long distances to golf and the club house is only concerned about how many people they can slam on the course. It's all about money .
Bob Dean
Really hard course top tier with guest services....beautiful place
CDC
Beautiful views, nice course. Tough greens. But like every other RTJ course, its a 5 hour round. Other than pace of play and empty.water coolers, would of been 5 stars
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Course Details
Access & Location
1 Sunbelt Pkwy, Gadsden, AL 35905, USA
Modern clubhouse with full dining, pro shop, and locker rooms
Walking encouraged; course features gentle elevation changes but sturdy footwear advised due to varied terrain
Open to the public with advance tee time reservations recommended, especially on weekends
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