How do you choose the best golf courses near Bessemer, AL when the area offers private clubs, public layouts, driving ranges, and entertainment-focused golf? This guide highlights seven highly rated options for 2026, using listed customer ratings, facilities, location, and practical playing considerations. Whether you are searching for public golf courses in Bessemer, AL, a challenging Birmingham-area layout, or a family-friendly golf outing, these courses offer strong choices.
1. The Country Club of Birmingham
Located in Mountain Brook, The Country Club of Birmingham is a private golf club approximately 20 miles from central Bessemer. Its golf facilities are designed for members and their guests, with a polished country-club environment and traditional course experience. Golfers should confirm guest policies, tee-time availability, and membership access before planning a round.
With a 4.6 rating from 233 reviews, it is one of the most highly regarded private golf options near Bessemer. From a golfer’s planning perspective, this is best suited to players seeking refined service, quiet surroundings, and a member-focused experience rather than casual walk-in play.
Phone: (205) 879-4611
Pros:
- Highly rated private golf club
- Upscale country-club atmosphere
- Convenient to Birmingham and Mountain Brook
- Strong option for members and invited guests
Cons:
- Not a typical public golf course
- Tee-time access may be restricted
- May be less convenient than courses located directly in Bessemer
2. Bent Brook
Bent Brook is one of the most convenient choices for golfers searching for Golf Courses Bessemer AL. Located at 7900 Dickey Springs Road, this course sits in Bessemer and provides a traditional golf setting close to home. Its 4.5 rating from 286 reviews suggests consistent appeal among local golfers.
The course is a practical choice for a regular round, especially for players who value location and a straightforward golf experience. Before visiting, call ahead for current tee times, course conditions, rates, and facility availability.
Phone: (205) 424-2368
Pros:
- Located directly in Bessemer
- Strong 4.5 rating from nearly 300 reviews
- Convenient for repeat play and local golfers
- Good choice for a traditional round of golf
Cons:
- Public amenities and services may vary by day
- Players should confirm rates and tee times in advance
- Course difficulty may not suit golfers seeking a resort-style challenge
3. Ballantrae Golf Club
Ballantrae Golf Club in Pelham is approximately 25 miles from Bessemer and is a well-known public golf destination in the southern Birmingham metro area. Facilities include a golf course, driving range, golf club services, and public access.
With a 4.5 rating and 250 reviews, Ballantrae is a strong option for golfers who want a complete day of play and practice. In my course-selection view, the driving range is especially useful for warming up before a round or working on technique without committing to a full 18 holes.
Phone: (205) 620-4653
Pros:
- Public golf course with driving-range access
- Well-rated by local and visiting golfers
- Suitable for practice and full-round play
- Attractive option for golfers traveling from Bessemer
Cons:
- Requires a longer drive than Bessemer-based courses
- Tee times can be busier during weekends
- Verify practice-area hours before arriving
4. RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley
RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley is located at 100 Sunbelt Parkway in Birmingham, roughly 15 miles from Bessemer. This public golf destination includes golf courses, a driving range, golf-club facilities, banquet space, and event venues. It is part of the respected Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail system.
Its 4.4 rating from 610 reviews reflects broad popularity. Golfers can expect a more substantial golf outing, with layouts and terrain that may challenge players of different skill levels. For the best experience, reserve a tee time and allow extra time for check-in, warm-up, and course navigation.
Phone: (205) 942-1177
Pros:
- Prestigious Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail location
- Public access and multiple golf-related facilities
- Driving range and event facilities available
- Excellent choice for a destination-style round near Birmingham
Cons:
- Some rounds may be more demanding for beginners
- Weekend tee times may fill quickly
- Pricing can be higher than smaller municipal courses
5. City of Bessemer Frank House Golf Course
The City of Bessemer Frank House Golf Course is a convenient municipal golf option at 801 Golf Course Road. For golfers specifically searching for public golf in Bessemer, AL, its in-city location makes it easy to reach for residents and visitors staying nearby.
The course has a 4.3 rating from 198 reviews. It is a practical choice for players seeking accessible local golf without traveling to Birmingham, Pelham, or Mountain Brook. Call before your visit to confirm daily operations, fees, tee times, and course conditions.
Phone: (205) 424-9540
Pros:
- Located in Bessemer
- Municipal course with convenient access
- Good option for casual and local play
- Rated 4.3 by nearly 200 reviewers
Cons:
- Facilities may be more basic than those at resort-style clubs
- Availability can depend on city operations and maintenance
- Confirm current conditions before playing
6. Woodward Golf Club
Woodward Golf Club, at 2141 Wheel Drive in Bessemer, offers another nearby option for local golfers. In addition to golf facilities, it is listed as an event venue, making it suitable for outings, gatherings, and golf-related events.
The club has a 4.1 rating from 208 reviews. From a practical golfer’s perspective, its main advantage is convenience for Bessemer residents who want a nearby course without a longer metro-area drive.
Phone: (205) 424-5500
Pros:
- Convenient Bessemer location
- Golf course and event-venue services
- Suitable for local rounds and group activities
- More than 200 customer reviews
Cons:
- Lower rating than Bent Brook and Ballantrae
- Amenities may be less extensive than larger golf destinations
- Contact the club for current tee-time and event information
7. Topgolf Birmingham
Topgolf Birmingham is located at 1111 24th Street North, approximately 20 miles from Bessemer. Rather than a conventional 18-hole course, it offers a technology-supported driving-range experience with golf instruction, food, drinks, sports-bar seating, and entertainment.
With a 4.0 rating from 1,729 reviews, it is ideal for groups, beginners, families, and golfers who want practice and social entertainment. It is not the best substitute for a traditional golf course, but it is one of the most flexible golf attractions near Bessemer.
Phone: (205) 847-5757
Pros:
- Excellent for groups and casual golf
- Food, drinks, instruction, and entertainment on-site
- Suitable for beginners and non-golfers
- Large review volume provides useful customer feedback
Cons:
- Not a traditional 18-hole golf course
- Can be noisy or busy during peak periods
- Bay reservations and pricing should be checked in advance
For traditional Golf Courses Bessemer AL, start with Bent Brook, Frank House, and Woodward Golf Club. For a larger public golf experience, consider Oxmoor Valley or Ballantrae. Topgolf Birmingham is best for entertainment, while The Country Club of Birmingham is the premium private option. Always verify 2026 rates, hours, tee times, and access policies directly with each facility before visiting.
