Alpine Golf Club

The Alpine Golf Club is a fun little 18-hole public course, good for the beginner and loaded with birdie holes for even the average golfer. You’ll need to hit it straight because of the tree-lined fairways, but nailing the driver off the tee is not a requirement and you’ll be in good shape on many holes with a solid 4 or 5 iron for

Watch out for No. 9 when you play from the back tees, which you’ll probably do instinctively when you see the measly 6,001 yards on the scorecard. At 240 yards, many will need to use the driver. In fact, shortening the hole would not only make it more forgiving, but allow for a more reasonable pace of play. This one is long, but the other par 3s play 120, 120, and 160 yards, respectively.

Bring a hard hat because the course is crammed together, making errant shots a real hazard for the leisurely hacker. However, the course is easy to walk, plays rather rapidly, and is in great condition, making it well worth the while for visiting golfers.

Getting there : From I-20, take the Eastman exit (Hwy 259), drive north over Hwy 80, and turn right at the second traffic light (Alpine).