What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State? (Alabama)

StillWaters Golf club

It’s always a bit subjective to rank the “worst” golf courses, since expectations differ (price, amenities, difficulty, etc.). But based on reviews and player feedback, here are three courses in Alabama that often draw criticism — and why they've been called among the least liked.

Here are three frequently criticized courses in Alabama, according to ChatGPT.

StillWaters Golf Club — The Highlands Course, Dadeville

What people complain about:

- Greens are in very poor condition — many report almost zero healthy grass, with “scaly dirt,” weeds, or bare patches. GolfPass

- Bunkers are washed out or unmaintained. GolfPass

- Tee boxes need repair; fairways and cart paths also get criticism. GolfPass

- Cost vs. condition: Many say they’re paying a premium or near-premium fee but getting subpar course conditions. GolfPass

Hampton Cove Golf Course

Hampton Cove Golf Course (Robert Trent Jones Trail), Owens Cross Roads / Huntsville area

What people complain about:

- Maintenance issues: tee boxes with no grass, burnt-out greens, areas around greens overrun with sand or weeds, bunkers poorly kept. Tripadvisor

- Neglect: Some reviews say it “looks like no maintenance has been done in months.” Tripadvisor

- Value perception: Given the price and reputation (because it’s on the RTJ Trail), expectations are high — when the conditions fall short, people feel let down. Tripadvisor

Heron Lakes Country Club

Heron Lakes Country Club, Mobile

What people complain about:

- Mixed to poor facility maintenance: some reviews describe greens “always covered in dirt,” carts that “shake,” and amenities (food, pro shop) being lacking. GolfPass

- Service issues: complaints about customer service, slow or unreliable staff. GolfPass

- Over-bookings, slow pace of play, and dated or run-down clubhouse/facilities. Some users say the place “used to be” better, but has deteriorated. Top Rated

What tends to make a golf course “bad” (and common themes here)

From these cases, some recurring reasons why courses are rated poorly:

- Poor maintenance of greens, bunkers, tee boxes, fairways — especially when customers are paying mid-to-high prices.

- Mismatch between expectation and reality — courses affiliated with famous designers or well-rated trails draw high expectations. If those aren’t met, criticism tends to be sharper.

- Facilities & service in disrepair — when not only the course but also the supporting amenities (carts, restrooms, pro shops, food, customer service) are neglected, the overall impression suffers significantly.

- Value for price — many complaints boil down to “this isn’t worth what we paid.”