Tall Pines Golf Club, Tuscaloosa, AL

The Tall Oaks Golf Club in Tuscaloosa is a laid-back, friendly course with one of the best layouts in the entire region. This semi-private, 18-hole course is a nice contrast to cramped courses with holes that run side by side. At Tall Oaks, the holes twist and turn through the natural landscape with doglegs and tree-lined fairways.

At 6,351 yards from the back tees, the course provides some challenges for experienced golfers without being overwhelming for golfers who aren't as long off the tee. It's a fun variety of holes, and with four tees to choose from, you make it as difficult as you want it.

The front nine plays a little easier than the back nine with three par-4s under 400 yards and the shortest hole on the course, the 135-yard par-3 eighth hole.

The back nine is over 400 yards longer than the front and features four long par-4s, each over 400 yards. The par-4 sixteenth hole is particularly challenging at 456 yards. You will also find two par-3s that are over 175 yards on the back nine.

Tall Oaks Golf Club is known for its large natural-turf driving range and putting green which offer golfers a realistic area to practice before their round. Food trucks visit the club frequently, offering a variety of fun and tasty selections. Check the club's Facebook page to know which trucks are expected.

The staff is very friendly and helpful, always happy to tell you about the course and the best way to play the scenic holes. The grounds crew has done an excellent job maintaining the course and bringing it back from a disappointing state just a few years earlier.

Expect to pay around $40 for a round of 18 holes. Ask about off-hour deals and student discounts which are common in this college town.