Robert Trent Jones at Capitol Hill (Senator) – Played May 2013
- Rankings: None of the four lists
- Location: 2600 Constitution Avenue, Prattville, Alabama
- Year: 1999
- Original Architect: Robert Trent Jones
- Additional Work By: Roger Rulewich
- Course Access: Public
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Black: 7,654 yards, Par 72, 77.4 Rating/132 Slope
- Purple: 6,941 yards, Par 72, 74.1 Rating/125 Slope
- Orange: 6,410 yards, Par 72, 70.9 Rating/126 Slope (Men’s), 76.4 Rating/134 Slope (Women’s)
- White: 5,831 yards, Par 72, 68.1 Rating/121 Slope (Men’s), 73.6 Rating/123 Slope (Women’s)
- Teal: 5,137 yards, Par 72, 64.7 Rating/110 Slope (Men’s), 69.6 Rating/116 Slope (Women’s)
I want to again thank Brian for the pictures on this post. Check out Brian’s other photos @virginiagolfguy on Instagram and on his website.
The second course we will tour is Capitol Hill (Senator). It’s at the same complex as the Judge, but couldn’t be more different. The links-style course has much less elevation change and water hazards. It’s a great 36 hole day due to the polar opposite courses. Let’s get into it!
Hole 1 – 365 yards – Par 4
This dogleg right has bunkers on each side of the fairway. The main protection of the green are two front bunkers. From the first tee you can tell the difference in the landscape when compared to the Judge.
Hole 2 – 165 yards – Par 3
The green on this one-shooter is large with a ridge bisecting it. Avoid the bunkers that guard the front section of the putting surface.
Hole 3 – 364 yards – Par 4
The main obstacle from the tee is the sand down the right side. Favor the left side of the fairway to have a good shot into the double green that is shared with #7.
Hole 4 – 363 yards – Par 4
You can’t really see it, but a pot bunker sits in the middle of this fairway. Avoid that and it will be smooth sailing. Deep bunkers also guard the green for your approach.
Hole 5 – 539 yards – Par 5
Just a long, straight hole here. Nothing too complicated, but you need pure golf shots to get to the green. The front bunker on this green is the worst one, but the two behind the green are no picnic.
Hole 6 – 349 yards – Par 4
The tee is slightly elevated here so shots will carry, but two fairway bunkers are waiting to gather in loose drives. The green is elevated and angled away from the fairway.
Hole 7 – 167 yards – Par 3
An extra club can make sense when playing to this elevated green. The putting surface has a ridge through the middle of it.
Hole 8 – 496 yards – Par 5
This slight dogleg right has two pot bunkers on the right that are a focus. For the second shot, there is a bunker in the middle of the fairway to clear.
The green offers many good chances at birdie.
Hole 9 – 376 yards – Par 4
You will want to avoid the bunkers and long grass on this hole. It bends slightly left. Aggressive drives can leave you with a short approach.
Hole 10 – 528 yards – Par 5
This longer par five can be reached in two if you have the length to cut the corner. The green is sloped from back to front and right to left. Putts will be a challenge.
Hole 11 – 370 yards – Par 4
This straight hole has plenty of sand to swallow your ball. You will want to stay up the left side to avoid it.
Hole 12 – 400 yards – Par 4
One of the toughest holes on the course due to length and hazards. The hazard is in the form of sand of course. The hole is littered with bunkers.
Hole 13 – 154 yards – Par 3
This short hole follows a long one, but that doesn’t make it a pushover. You can be more aggressive with middle and front pins. Deep bunkers are on both sides of the green.
Hole 14 – 394 yards – Par 4
This dogleg to the right demands a drive up the right side and a carry over bunkers to leave you in the best spot. If you fail in the execution you will be staring at a recovery shot out of pot bunkers.
Hole 15 – 389 yards – Par 4
The tee shot here is blind due to the fairway falling sharply after the 150-yard marker. The approach from this lower area is way up the hill to a green with three pot bunkers surrounding it.
Hole 16 – 147 yards – Par 3
If it’s a hot day you will be happy to see these trees for some time in the shade. You need the right club here to avoid the two deep bunkers fronting the green. There is a hazard to the right as well. To make the hole even more fun, the green is quite undulating.
Hole 17 – 475 yards – Par 5
This is one of the crazier holes on the course. It is all risk/reward. A good drive will leave you with the decision to lay up or attack the green. If you’re going for it you must carry the ravine to be safe.
Hole 18 – 369 yards – Par 4
The straightaway finishing hole is no easy hole. Your approach will be slightly uphill to a two-tiered green.
Capitol Hill (Senator) is a stern test, but a fun one. I don’t remember the exact conditions when we played it, but if they get it firm and fast it can be a delight. I recommend playing in the fall or spring for the best experience.