The greens at the Ridge are often bigger than what you normally expect elsewhere. If your approach to the green falls short and the pin is at the back of the green, a two-putt experience will be an adventure. One of the Ridge’s big takeaways is the overall quality of its four par-five holes. Some golf pundits have noted that the Ridge has the finest group of par-fives on the entire RTJ Golf Trail. I have experienced most the courses on the RTJ Trail, and I tend to agree. As expected, the Signature Hole at the Ridge is the par-five, third hole. It is cleverly designed as your tee shot must be hit to a peninsula-like fairway. The green, off in the distance, is raised from the fairway and is supported by a shelf of exposed shale rock and a few railroad ties, a testimonial connection to Birmingham’s historic links to the railroad industry. Another memorable hole is the downhill par-three eighth hole. The tee shot must carry a pond, but because of its downhill nature, you don’t need as much club as the distance would normally indicate. This is a fun hole to play as you watch a well-struck tee shot hanging in the air to go pinseeking. Although a hole-inone is always possible, it is not probable. Whitt is quick to give credit to the exceptional course condition to superintendent Jeff Christianson. “To keep the golf course looking great, his crew does lots of watering on the course with mobile watering systems and the high-powered fans keep the bent grass greens alive in the heat of the summer.” Overall, the Ridge is for passionate golfers who can appreciate the efforts of the course’s design team which has built a golf experience that will create an indelible memory for those who decide to play on what should be considered the ‘Beloved and Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham.’ Indiana Golf Journal
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