Old Overton Club

OOC is still my hands-down favorite course in Birmingham. Course conditions are immaculate this time of year and it is an absolute pleasure to be able to get a round here at this private track.

The collection of par 3s stand out, and the back nine, particularly the final four holes are as good as it gets.

The Country Club of Birmingham's West Course has hosted U.S. Mid Ams, Shoal Creek has hosted two PGA Championships and Greystone's Founders Course plays hosts annually to a Champions Tour major, but Old Overton is the best course in Birmingham in my opinion. It's a hard track to get on - ultra-private - but it's worth the steep guest fee. This is some of Jerry Pate's best work. This course just flows so naturally out of the hills and valleys. From the scintillating opening shot off of the elevated tee, comes one fantastic scenic value after another. The par 3s are very strong. Breathtaking downhill shots frame the outward nine one-shoters. Water comes into play on the inward offerings. The three par 5s are burly holes. The par 4s aren't repetitive. They play uphill, downhill and have a good mix of holes that play from left-to-right and right-to-left. The convergence of the par-4 11th hole, par-3 17th, and par-4 18th reminds me of Augusta National. It is a natural amphitheater that is open, save for a few clusters of loblolly pines. The creek that divides the 11th and 17th is absolutely beautiful. And the short, driveable par-4 15th hole is a treasure. Bottom line: Old Overton is pure and has major chops. It could play host to an event on any tour.