Old Cove Golf Club: The Dells Experience
Old Cove Golf, branded as The Dells Golf Club, is a public 18-hole course in Northport, Alabama, shaped by rolling terrain and pockets of hardwoods. Offering a blend of approachable playability with strategic routing, it challenges golfers through natural hazards and evolving conditions.
Course Overview
Old Cove Golf, operating as The Dells Golf Club, presents an 18-hole layout set within the rural landscape of Northport, Alabama. While it functions as a public course, it remains in a state of ongoing development and refinement as management works steadily to elevate the playing conditions and facilities. The course stretches to a moderate length, offering a par set primarily at 72, designed to challenge a broad spectrum of golfers while retaining an approachable playability for newer players.
The terrain is naturally rolling with pockets of mature hardwoods and low-lying wetlands that shape both the routing and strategy across the property. Players will find fairways that run through a mix of open spaces and wooded corridors, requiring thoughtful shot placement to avoid hazards and vegetation. Bunkers are present but not overly penalizing, adding texture and challenge around the greens rather than demanding precise escapes.
Drainage systems have been recently enhanced to improve course playability under wet conditions, although the footprint of lingering moisture in certain low areas remains a factor, especially following heavy rain. This means golfers should plan for varied course conditions and consider appropriate footwear for potential softness underfoot. The general layout benefits from natural landforms rather than extensive shaping, so the course maintains an organic feel rather than a heavily sculpted appearance.
Service-wise, golf carts are offered but at times limited by GPS restrictions to paths, which can frustrate those seeking freer access to fairways. Walking is permitted, with a mostly gentle topography that suits those preferring to experience the course on foot, though spongy terrain after rain can be a consideration.
Visitors describing their rounds note promise in the design and setting, signaling potential as upkeep and course maturity continue to improve. The Dells Golf Club caters mostly to local golfers seeking a course with character in an evolving stage. Its combination of natural elements and manageable length make it worthy of attention for those of moderate skill looking to navigate a course with honest shot values and a quiet, rural atmosphere.
Course Highlights
The course features gently rolling fairways bordered by mature hardwood groves and subtle wetland areas, offering a natural feel and varied shot angles. While drainage improvements have enhanced playability, lingering soft areas remain part of the challenge. The routing emphasizes shot placement over length, with accessible bunkers that frame many greens. Golf cart use is available but occasionally limited by GPS pathing protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Pierce Sumner
Staff perfect, course perfect. Greens perfect, price perfec!!!
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.
Alex Miller
Sandra Harpole
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
Basic clubhouse facility with pro shop and snack bar
Walking is permitted and usually comfortable, though players should prepare for wet spots after rain; sturdy shoes recommended.
Tee times available online and by phone; walk-ins welcome subject to availability.
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