Highland Park Golf Course Wins Prestigious Award

News Summary

Highland Park Golf Course, the oldest public golf course in Alabama, has been awarded the Troon Golf Facility of the Year – East. This recognition highlights the course’s commitment to high-quality operations and exceptional guest services. With a rich history dating back to 1903 and recent renovations, Highland Park is preparing for a bright future with ambitious development plans, including a new driving range and the potential for hosting LPGA tournaments.

Highland Park Golf Course Shines Bright with Troon Golf Facility of the Year Award

Exciting news for golf buffs! Highland Park Golf Course, the oldest public golf course in the state, has claimed the prestigious Troon Golf Facility of the Year – East award at the recent Troon Global Leadership Conference. This accolade shines a spotlight on the course’s commitment to top-tier operations and exceptional guest services, making it a true gem in the golfing community.

Recognition Among the Best

Out of a talented roster of ten Troon-affiliated facilities, Highland Park stood tall, distinguished not just by its age but by its dedication to offering a remarkable golfing experience. Troon, a heavyweight player in the golf and hospitality industry with over 950 locations worldwide, recognized the Birmingham-based course for its excellence. Highland Park is in great hands, managed by Highland Park Golf, LLC and operated by Honours Golf, a division of Troon itself.

Rich History and Recent Upgrades

Highland Park isn’t just any course; opened in 1903 and originally designed by Nick Thompson, it has a fascinating history, having evolved from the Birmingham Country Club into a beloved public course. After the country club relocated in 1927, the course welcomed golfers of all backgrounds, eventually being named in honor of Charley Boswell, a blind golf champion.

Significant renovations have been a part of Highland Park’s journey, with projects including major updates in 1998 and modernization efforts that took place in late 2019 and early 2020 to enhance bunkers and putting surfaces. This ongoing commitment to improvement even got Highland Park a position on GOLF Magazine’s list of the “30 Best Municipal Golf Courses in America.”

Looking to the Future

What’s next for Highland Park? Big plans are in the works, including creating a tournament-ready course, establishing a cutting-edge learning center, and even potential LPGA tournament action in 2027. This ambitious vision is complemented by the construction of a new $1 million driving range that measures an impressive 400 yards in length and 150 yards in width, highlighting the city’s commitment to enhancing the golfing experience.

Comprehensive Development Plans

But that’s not all! The Highland Park region is looking at a broader $3 million development plan aimed at upgrading the competitive blue course. Plans include adding 27 new tee boxes and 54 new bunkers, with designers setting their sights on extending the course to a hefty 7,200 yards. Although this sounds ambitious, the course will surely retain its fascinating historical significance, having hosted events like the PGA Tour’s Cleveland Open back in the 1960s and serving as the home turf for pioneering Black golfer Charlie Sifford.

Growth and Future Goals