Birmingham AL Golf & BBQ Weekend
T&L Golf, July/Aug '08
Stokin’ The Fire BBQ Festival
Birmingham, Alabama
August 22–23
This festival of consumption (www.stokin.slossfurnaces.com) has a charitable purpose: to revitalize a city landmark, the decommissioned Sloss Furnaces. The event gets so many entries for its cook-off that organizers can give away $20,000 in prize money and still support the steel-mill museum. Contestants grill brisket and chicken as well as pork ribs, shoulder and butt.
Golf
FarmLinks Golf Club
An agronomic laboratory, this Michael Hurdzan/Dana Fry design an hour southeast of Birmingham uses a variety of grasses and is kept in excellent shape. $125; 256-208-7600, www.farmlinksgolfclub.com
Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley
This stop on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is laced with creeks and marked by steep elevation changes. $43–$64; 205-942-1177, www.rtjgolf.com
Ross Bridge
The flagship course of the Trail, this long layout—8,191 yards from the tips—stretches across expansive rolling hills. $80–$115; 205-949-3085, www.rtjgolf.com
Staying
Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa
Although you may be embarrassed by the barbecue sauce on your shirt, check into this lavish resort located twenty minutes outside Birmingham. It offers sweeping views of the golf course, and the amenities include a European-style spa. From $209 per night; 205-916- 7677, www.rossbridgeresort.com
Other Activities
Birmingham Barons
See a game of the Chicago White Sox’s AA affiliate, the team Michael Jordan played on during his stint in professional baseball. Check their home schedule at www.barons.com.