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Tucked into a quiet Birmingham neighborhood, a century-old golf course hums to life each morning as it has since the days of horse-drawn carts and wooden clubs. It's not famous, but it's the first, and for many, still the favorite.
For more than 120 years, this course has been more than a place to play. It's a walk through Alabama's golf history.
Established in 1903, Highland Park Golf Course has been a part of Birmingham's landscape for more than a century. Tucked into the city's Highland Avenue corridor, the 18-hole, par-70 course blends history with a healthy challenge.
With narrow, rolling fairways, uphill approach shots and winding creeks, it offers a scenic and sometimes sneaky test for golfers of all skill levels. GOLF Magazine even names it one of the top 100 value courses in the country.
Highland Park Golf Course has roots that date back to its original days as the Country Club of Birmingham. The course opened to the public in 1927, offering everyday golfers the opportunity to walk the same fairways once reserved for club members.
In 1955, it was renamed in honor of Charley Boswell, a Birmingham native, World War II veteran and a 17-time National Blind Golf Champion who became a local legend both on and off the course.
Boswell, at 28, was permanently blinded by a tank explosion in World War II while trying to save a fellow soldier. Before the war, he was already a standout athlete, having earned a football scholarship to the University of Alabama and later played minor league baseball for the Atlanta Crackers.
Golf wasn't even on his radar until after he lost his sight. Looking for a way to stay competitive, Boswell picked up the game and quickly made history, winning 17 national championships and 11 international championships, becoming a symbol of perseverance for generations of golfers.
Highland Park underwent a million-dollar renovation in 2019. Upgrades include new, smoother putting greens featuring AU Victory Bentgrass, developed by Auburn University, and revamped bunkers constructed using the Billy Bunker Method.
Highland Park may measure just over 5,800 yards, but the par-70 layout offers a challenging test with its rolling terrain, elevation changes and well-guarded greens.
Creeks, lakes and strategically placed bunkers come into play throughout the course, rewarding accuracy and a solid short game over sheer distance.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What is Alabama’s oldest golf course? Its history spans over 120 years
Continue reading...
For more than 120 years, this course has been more than a place to play. It's a walk through Alabama's golf history.
What is the oldest golf course in Alabama?
Established in 1903, Highland Park Golf Course has been a part of Birmingham's landscape for more than a century. Tucked into the city's Highland Avenue corridor, the 18-hole, par-70 course blends history with a healthy challenge.
With narrow, rolling fairways, uphill approach shots and winding creeks, it offers a scenic and sometimes sneaky test for golfers of all skill levels. GOLF Magazine even names it one of the top 100 value courses in the country.
This history of Highland Park Golf Course
Highland Park Golf Course has roots that date back to its original days as the Country Club of Birmingham. The course opened to the public in 1927, offering everyday golfers the opportunity to walk the same fairways once reserved for club members.
In 1955, it was renamed in honor of Charley Boswell, a Birmingham native, World War II veteran and a 17-time National Blind Golf Champion who became a local legend both on and off the course.
Who is Charley Boswell?
Boswell, at 28, was permanently blinded by a tank explosion in World War II while trying to save a fellow soldier. Before the war, he was already a standout athlete, having earned a football scholarship to the University of Alabama and later played minor league baseball for the Atlanta Crackers.
Golf wasn't even on his radar until after he lost his sight. Looking for a way to stay competitive, Boswell picked up the game and quickly made history, winning 17 national championships and 11 international championships, becoming a symbol of perseverance for generations of golfers.
Highland Park underwent a million dollar renovation
Highland Park underwent a million-dollar renovation in 2019. Upgrades include new, smoother putting greens featuring AU Victory Bentgrass, developed by Auburn University, and revamped bunkers constructed using the Billy Bunker Method.
What the course is like at Highland Park
Highland Park may measure just over 5,800 yards, but the par-70 layout offers a challenging test with its rolling terrain, elevation changes and well-guarded greens.
Creeks, lakes and strategically placed bunkers come into play throughout the course, rewarding accuracy and a solid short game over sheer distance.
Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter in Alabama for USA TODAY’s Deep South Connect Team. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: What is Alabama’s oldest golf course? Its history spans over 120 years
Continue reading...
