Old Cove Golf Club at The Dells
Old Cove Golf Club at The Dells presents a rugged parkland-style 18-hole layout in Northport, Alabama. Its varied terrain, natural water features, and strategic challenges offer a fresh, evolving golfing experience suited to players ready to engage a developing course.
Course Overview
Old Cove Golf Club, operating as The Dells Golf Club, offers an 18-hole challenge set within the rolling landscapes of Northport, Alabama. This public course unfolds across terrain shaped by natural creeks and varied elevation changes, lending a fresh dynamic to what is effectively a parkland-style layout. The course is designed to test different aspects of a golfer’s game with a combination of strategic tee shots, uneven lies, and water hazards weaving through many holes.
The setting is rugged yet approachable, where pockets of mature trees frame fairways and the occasional wetland adds both visual interest and penalty for errant shots. Players will find that the course demands thoughtful club selection and shot placement, particularly where the ground conditions soften during wetter periods. The drainage infrastructure, though still developing, has shown promise in managing recent heavy rains, which underscores the course’s ongoing evolution.
For golfers seeking a walk, the terrain offers moderate slopes that, while manageable, call for solid footwear given some softer patches. Golf carts are available but their usage is regulated by GPS systems intended to protect the turf, which can sometimes limit cart access to fairways. This is a factor visitors should consider when planning their round, especially during wetter conditions.
Amenities at The Dells include a modest clubhouse serving as a central gathering point, with facilities tailored toward a casual, community-focused golf experience. Pricing has been a point of contention among some players, reflecting ambitions to elevate course conditions and service offerings over time.
While Old Cove Golf Club is still refining its full potential, it provides a solid course layout with enough variety to appeal to a broad range of skill levels. Golfers willing to embrace a developing venue will find intriguing features in the topography and natural setting. The course encourages a thoughtful, patient style of play that can sharpen skills or simply offer a refreshing day outdoors away from more commercialized venues.
Course Highlights
The course features creeks that carve through fairways and penalty water hazards that demand precision. The natural undulations and tree lines force strategic shot-making. The layout is notable for blending parkland playability with subtle elevation changes unique to the West Alabama region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Darryl Ballew
We were excited to try the course again. Initially, we thought the price was a little high compared to other courses around with a better reputation but we wanted to give it a try. Honestly the course was in pretty good shape considering. Fairways and greens were decent. Two big issues!! We had to push our carts on several occasions because the GPS carts system was telling us to return to cart path although we followed the 90 degree rule. It is really frustrating when the golf cart becomes the issue of the day. Stopping in the middle of the fairway and not allowing you to even approach your ball that is in the fairway. I understand the reasoning behind the madness and I definitely want to ensure the course is taken care of, but it was overboard. The price $75 and the golf cart issue will prohibit me from returning or recommending others to play.
bob k.
Price is too high..not worth 45$ for 9 holes after 4.i won't play there until prices become reasonable..course is not in prime price shape.and rebound is way overpriced
Chad Swoszowski (Swaz)
It may not be “Hidden Ghettos” but it still has a long way to go. Definitely not worth the $75 they are charging. Surprised that they didn’t clean up the balls. They are everywhere. Wherever there is dirt and creek you will find tons of balls visible all around. The greens are horrible. Putting is insane as there are patches of repair all over and little weeds growing up on the greens. Played three days after a moderate rain and the place is still an unforgiving swamp. This is a money pit of a golf course. Thumbs way down.
Mr.Gant88 Gant
Update: Went to give this course a redemption round since it has been a year and I did state I would try it again, just to find out that since I left an honest, bad review, I have been banned from the course! So just a heads up for anyone looking to be honest, you will get banned.. The only thing good I can say about this place is the layout. . Cost was more than Ol' Colony and no where near the same caliber. Greens had literal bunkers on them with all the sand. Fairways had rocks or either under water. Tee time was 8:30 and they were still watering the course. They were still cutting grass at noon and the guy with a blower followed us around the entire course blowing nonsense, not dew on greens or cut fairways just random spots even in the woods. I've played this course twice and given it a chance but I will not go back unless major changes happen.
mike dunn
Nice course, really nice staff… only issues were the golf carts were programmed to basically stay 10/15 yards from the rough. You could be on the edge of the fairway and the cart would turn off… hopefully that will change
Sandra Harpole
Andrew Hodgson
They are grinding hard to get the course up and running. Played the day after absolute insane amount of rain, and the course had done a solid job of draining. Once the course grows in its going to be great. Will be back.
Alex Miller
Pierce Sumner
Staff perfect, course perfect. Greens perfect, price perfec!!!
Mr.Gant88 Gant
Update: Went to give this course a redemption round since it has been a year and I did state I would try it again, just to find out that since I left an honest, bad review, I have been banned from the course! So just a heads up for anyone looking to be honest, you will get banned.. The only thing good I can say about this place is the layout. . Cost was more than Ol' Colony and no where near the same caliber. Greens had literal bunkers on them with all the sand. Fairways had rocks or either under water. Tee time was 8:30 and they were still watering the course. They were still cutting grass at noon and the guy with a blower followed us around the entire course blowing nonsense, not dew on greens or cut fairways just random spots even in the woods. I've played this course twice and given it a chance but I will not go back unless major changes happen.
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Course Details
Access & Location
13000 Old Cove Rd, Northport, AL 35473, USA
Modest clubhouse with basic facilities and pro shop
Walking allowed; recommended to wear shoes with good traction due to softer patches and creekside terrain.
Tee times can be booked by the public; check for weather-related updates before arrival.
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