By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

Did you know that Oak Mountain State Park is home to an 18-hole championship golf course? We do!

Oak Mountain’s golf course was designed by legendary golf course architect Earl Stone.

He designed several of the golf courses in Alabama State Parks.

The Oaks Golf Course is nestled among the hardwoods of Oak Mountain State Park.

Often times you can share your tee time with the wildlife that wander onto the course.

Our course is a par 72, with the toughest hole being a par 4 at 382 yards. Hole No. 17 is the easiest at 141 yards and a par 3.

Nine of the 18 holes have water on them and the fairways are tree-lined.

The greens and tees are made of Bermuda grass.

Six holes dogleg to the left and seven holes dogleg to the right.

We have a fully stocked pro shop, on-course grill for a tasty snack after the ninth hole before moving on, driving range and chipping and practice greens.

We offer power carts, pull carts and golf clubs for rent.

The golf course is open year round, seven days a week, times vary depending on season.

Tee times are accepted five days in advance of when you want to play and walk-ons are welcome.

Fees for play range from $17 (9 hole walking) to $41 (18 hole with cart) during the week to $21 (9 hole walking) to $49 (18 hole with cart) on weekends.

Juniors, seniors and overnight guests can receive a discounted rate of play.

Rental clubs are $20.

Come out one day to check us out. Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them.

The Oaks Golf Course is located inside the park on John Findley Drive about 1 1/2 miles from the front entrance at State Park Road.

For more information on The Oaks Golf Course, visit www.alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park-golf-course.