Roebuck Golf Course

THE COURSE

Roebuck opened in 1914 as a nine-holer - the other nine holes were added in 1924 - and is believed to be Alabama's oldest municipal golf course. The course was closed for a brief time in the 1960s, and it was in pretty bad shape for a long time after being re-opened. Those days are gone, thanks to the efforts of Anthony Cardwell, Dr. Jesse Lewis, Joe Yarborough and Pat Samford. The foursome lead the development team that is trying to restore Roebuck to its original luster, in time for its 100th anniversary. The course has seen its share of stars over the years - Bobby Jones played there, and former LPGA player Jo Ann Prentice called Roebuck home. The course is in good shape and is getting better every year. The course stretches to just 6,355 yards, so length is not key but accuracy is. The third hole, a dogleg right par-4 (265-347 yards) is a good example, as a drive too far left or too long will find the rough and perhaps the trees. The second shot plays to an elevated green. I enjoy the par-5s, particularly the fourth (484-566 yards), which plays downhill with a creek coming into play on second shots and bunkers guarding either side of the green. The 11th is a strong par-4 (295-366 yards), requiring an accurate tee shot through a narrow chute of trees. The one problem I have with the layout at Roebuck is somewhat beyond its control. A couple of holes - the sixth and 11th - sit too close to the road. The edge of the 11th green is just six feet from a fence protecting drivers in the area.