DJTheoret - 12/22/21
As golf destinations go, Gadsden, AL is well down most golfers’ lists; if it weren’t for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it probably wouldn’t even be on the radar. And, if the truth be told, the RTJ Trail course at Silver Lakes is what keeps golfers coming back.

I am speaking about Silver Lakes, a 36-hole facility on the outskirts of town. Surrounded by the Appalachian foothills and Lee's Lake, Silver Lakes features the most unique and aptly named courses on The Trail: Heartbreaker, Backbreaker, Mindbreaker. All 36 greens (including the short course) boast Champion ultra-dwarf putting surfaces, arguably the best on The Trail. Another trait they share is that they are all elevated; some more so than others. Silver Lakes takes you on a journey through hardwood and pine forests, wetlands, and grasslands. You’ll encounter dramatic elevation changes all while enjoying the beauty of Northeastern Alabama’s wonderful landscape. There is one thing for sure: any of the four courses will challenge you both physically and mentally.

Many golfers use the Short Course as a warm-up before heading out to play the championship courses. When I hear the words “short course,” I immediately think of conditions that are inferior to what you will find on a full-length golf course. Not so on the Short Course at Silver Lakes. It’s a collection of 9 par 3 holes of championship course caliber. You’ll find some significant elevation changes, well-manicured bunkers, and undulating Champion ultra-dwarf putting surfaces. Eight of the nine holes require a carry over water, culminating on the 9th, which plays 184 yards from the Orange Tees, and is primarily all carry.

Each course is special in its own right with memorable holes. Number 8 on Mindbreaker is an interesting par 4 that plays 358 yards from the White Tees. The fairway slopes to the right with a creek at the bottom so your best tee shot is something controllable down the left side. Anything right of the middle of the fairway stands a good chance of trundling down to the water. A good drive will leave a short iron into a triangular-shaped green with a pot bunker left and a large, deep bunker on the right. The green slopes severely from back to front. Did I mention you’ll need to carry your approach shot over the creek?

The Heartbreaker 9 builds you up from your tee shot on the first hole right through to your last putt, but nothing is more challenging than the last three holes. Number 7 is the course’s signature hole and the first encounter with water. Your line from the very elevated tee box is the bunker on the right; that will take the ponds on the left out of play. Once your drive flies downhill and lands in the fairway – or wherever – the rest of the hole plays extremely uphill. While the landing area on your layup may seem small and complicated by the bunker on the left, you’ll have a short pitch shot into a very wide but shallow green protected by a deep bunker in front.

Number 8 is a challenging, downhill par 3 that plays 156 yards and is all carry over water. The green is large and could be a 3-club difference depending on pin placement. Deep bunkers await errant shots on either side of the green. Number 9 is a 353-yard par 4 that requires you to cross – and avoid - the water twice. This dogleg left features water all the way down the left side and in front of the green, with a wide landing area off the tee. A good drive will leave a short to mid-iron into an oddly positioned green protected with water in front and left. It’s the layout’s most difficult par 4 and the course’s #1 handicap.

Backbreaker starts with a stern test of golf; your approach shot will give you a good idea of how the course got its name. It’s a par 4 that plays 360 yards from the White Tees although because it’s predominantly uphill it may play closer to 400 yards. A good drive will leave a mid to long iron into a very elevated green protected in front by a deep bunker. The hills behind the green may provide some relief for approaches hit too long.

  Cool451 - 7/29/21
Like all RTJ trail courses, difficult, always in great shape and fun to play. Didn't find Silver Lakes as hard as others on the trail.

  WGDriskell - 12/27/14
Very confusing to navigate but easy comapred to Oxmor Valley!

  CeeBee - 8/30/14
One fine facility. Be ready on the greens. Quick.

  D.R. Strobaugh - 6/23/12
Tough track, FAST Greens (Backbreaker), Mindbreaker Greens were sanded and rolled (slower)

  danmccarthy - 4/20/12
These courses are very "tricked out". The three courses are very hilly and all but one of the greens are elevated. The brand new bermuda greens are as hard as a rock. Long approach shots are near impossible to hold. BETTER BRING YOUR A GAME! These courses need a couple of years to soften up the new greens. Silver Lakes are the hardest courses on the trail.

  TDGskycaddie - 9/27/11
After tornadoes...great views, GREAT greens...challenging

  AndyC18 - 10/23/15

  SmoothS - 6/15/15

  lylep - 10/13/13