With warm weather finally emerging, many Masters hopefuls will be dusting off their clubs and hitting the greens.
With many courses in the area to choose from, it's hard to choose which is best for each person.
Chris Gerhard, senior in history and marketing, said picking a golf course is mostly a situational thing for him.
"Sometimes, if I'm running low on cash, I choose by which is cheapest," Gerhard said. "Other times, I go to a course I know will challenge me more than others."
Auburn Links at Mill Creek charges $36 Monday through Thursday and $44 Friday through Sunday for 18 holes.
Grand National can run upwards of $80 per player for a tee time.
Nick Clinard, head coach for the men's golf team, said you typically get what you pay for because maintaining the greens is expensive.
"A good golf course is one that's in great shape, has much character and can be played different ways," Clinard said. "One never gets tired of playing the same place if it's a great course."
Some of the courses in the area include Indian Pines, Moore's Mill Club, Auburn Links at Mill Creek, Saugahatchee Country Club and Grand National Golf Club.
Grand National is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama.
It was ranked the top public golf course in the 2009 Golf World Readers' Choice awards.
Grand National has three different courses, with 32 of its 54 holes on the lake. The Links course was named the second best new public course in 1993 by Golf Digest.
"Grand National's bent grass greens and design is outstanding," Clinard said. "Moore's Mill and Saugahatchee CC are both slightly shorter, but always in excellent shape and a joy to play."
Gerhard said the courses around Auburn are mostly well kept.
"Everywhere around here is beautiful, so you can't really pick just one course as your favorite," Gerhard said. "I like courses where there is more to do, like Grand National has three courses. That's a great way to keep me occupied."
Clinard said some courses are more challenging than others, and they come in a variety around the area.
"Anytime you have rough, then it separates the playing field as does length and undulating, quick greens," Clinard said. "I always have enjoyed the hard courses, as it really tests you mentally and physically."
Many clubs around the area offer extra amenities.
Membership at Moore's Mill Club includes access to a fitness center, spa, tennis courts and a pool.
Other clubs, like the one at Saugahatchee, have available dining to its guests and members.
Gerhard said he isn't a member of any club, but it's something he would consider when he gets older.
"I don't have that kind of money now, but it's a good deal if you can get a place that has everything," Gerhard said. "You pay one price, and you get course access, food, gym equipment and a pool. That's something you just can't pass up."
With so many beautiful courses around, it's hard to tell what makes a bad golf course. While it's different for everyone, some of the criteria are easy to spot.
"A bad course is one that lacks attention to detail from maintenance, a bad piece of land to work with when designing and one that is short, flat and wide open, which typically means it lacks character," Clinard said.
Golfers are one of the most varied groups in the world of sports. Each course is different just like each golfer is different.
Gerhard said it is important to not stress over a golf course and to enjoy the golfing experience.
"You are going golfing to relax; that's why I golf anyway," Gerhard said. "As long as you have clubs that fit you and good enough weather, any course is a good golf course."
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