Cider Ridge Golf Club — Attraction in Oxford

During a recent visit to Cider Ridge, I was told by several golfers that over the past few years, the previous management company had let the conditioning of the golf course decline dramatically. The club was recently sold to Zotan, LLC, a company led by PGA member Cory Etter that also owns Pine Hill Golf Course in nearby Anniston, AL.

Etter and his staff have stepped up to the plate and are in the process of making Cider Ridge better than it has ever been. Many golfers I spoke with commented on the improved conditioning of the course and how it has become much more playable than in recent years. The greens have been recently renovated with new TifEagle Bermuda grass and several tee boxes have been redone.

Cider Ridge Golf Club was designed by Alabama-based Bill Bergin. The course borders the Talladega National Forest and the Talladega Mountains and is situated at the base of Alabama’s tallest mountain – Mt. Cheaha (elevation 2,410’). In building the golf course, Bergin was able to incorporate much of the central Alabama terrain into the design.

Cider Ridge is best described as a “tale of two courses.” The front nine is similar to a traditional parkland-style course, with fairways lined with century-old oak trees and streams running through several holes. You don’t see much in the way of changing elevation until you hit the 6th hole and from then on, it becomes more mountain golf. Once you hit the back nine, the terrain changes quickly! You’ll find thick hardwood forests, rolling hills, and dramatic elevation changes on just about every hole. You’ll be treated to enchanting mountain views and several water features that include Little Hillabee Creek and a natural waterfall on Number 12 – Cider Ridge’s signature hole.

Remember, this is mountain golf so there’s a lot of roll and undulation in the fairways, leaving many uneven lies. Mature trees guard many fairways, and it can be hard to hit under, over, or around them. Many of the greens are well-elevated so if you don’t take enough club you’ll come short of the putting surface. In some cases, if you fail to hit your putt hard enough, it will roll back down to your feet.

Cider Ridge is not without its fair share of memorable holes. The first and last holes on the back nine are quite memorable: after 3 months I can still picture each shot I hit. If you look up target golf in the dictionary, you may just find a picture of Cider Ridge’s 10th hole. It plays 397 yards and requires a tee shot that finds the landing area at the top of the hill. That will leave you about 150 yards slightly downhill to a green protected in front by a bunker and in back by trees. Miss the green and you may just lose your golf ball!

Number 18 is a great finishing hole and a good test of golf. It’s a par 5 that plays 518 yards with water running down the entire left side and then wrapping behind the green to catch anything hit long. The right side is no bargain either; it’s lined with trees and out of bounds beyond that and a bunker in the landing area off the tee. Favoring the left side off the tee will leave a clear shot into the green and if you hit your drive well you may have a chance to get home in two. A large bunker guards the front right of the green. No matter how you do it, par is a great score here!

Before your round, be sure to check out the practice area. It’s quite impressive and includes a full-length driving range, putting green, and chipping green area. Cider Ridge also believes that growing the game of golf starts at the junior level and offers summer golf camps every June and July.

If you live in the area or nearby and thoroughly enjoy playing the golf course, maybe it’s time to consider becoming a member. Cider Ridge’s Annual Pass includes unlimited greens fees, 50% off range balls, ability to participate in Club Tournaments including the Club Championship, Oxford City Championship, and Match Play. You’ll also receive a 15% discount on pro shop merchandise (shirts, hats, golf balls, accessories, gloves & more). Individual, senior, and family memberships...

Cider Ridge Golf Club: Unmatched Conditions, Top Tier Instruction, and Genuine Southern Hospitality.

I honestly can’t say enough good things about Cider Ridge Golf Club in Oxford, Alabama. Every time I play here, I walk away impressed all over again. It checks every box and then some.

Course Conditions That Are Hard to Beat The course is in incredible shape. The greens are quick, smooth, and roll exactly how you’d expect if you’ve played high end courses. The fairways are just as impressive always well kept and consistent, giving you confidence over every shot. It’s obvious the maintenance crew here takes real pride in what they do. You just don’t see conditions like this at most public tracks.

Game Changing Instruction from Seth Parmer One of the biggest differences in my game has come from working with Seth Parmer, the instructor at Cider Ridge. His teaching is next level super detailed, tailored to how you swing, and incredibly easy to understand. Since taking lessons with Seth I’ve shot some of the best rounds of my life. If you're serious about improving, Seth is someone you absolutely want in your corner.

Best Practice Facilities Around The driving range alone is worth talking about. The turf is in excellent condition, and the range balls are high quality not the beat up ones you usually get at public courses. Whether you’re warming up or grinding out a practice session, it’s easily the best range in the area.

Great Value, Even Better People What really sets Cider Ridge apart is the value. For the kind of course conditions, layout, and overall experience you’re getting, the price is honestly a steal. You’d expect to pay way more elsewhere for this level of play. I've rarely played anywhere under $150 that gives you this type of experience.

And I’ve got to give a shoutout to the pro shop staff. They’re always welcoming, and the shop itself is fully stocked with clubs, balls, shirts, and everything you could need. Avery Anna especially went above and beyond super friendly, super helpful, and just made the whole experience even better.

Whether you’re looking for a beautifully maintained course, top tier instruction, or just a place that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in, Cider Ridge delivers on all fronts. I can’t recommend it enough it's become my go to, and for...

Would rate 3.5, but I'll round up with some nuance.

The good: The course is in great condition, the layout is fair for the most part but there were some pin placements that were a little over done. The price represents good value. The clubhouse is nice and clean. The food is well above average for a public course and also comes at a value price. Cart attendants were prompt and around a lot.

The not so good: No Marshall. They sent off a group of 5 on a Saturday morning and, of course, with no Marshall, the pace of play was -30 and we had stacking from the 2nd hole on (3-4 groups by mid back nine.) The carts malfunctioned several times (disabling on the cart path with a message of "cart path only") requiring a complete stop and turning off then back on. While the cart attendants were around a lot, the selection was limited.

All in all, the course is fun and in great shape. Here comes the nuance, if I were local, I would play here again; however, allowing groups larger than 4 off on the weekend with no Marshall will keep me from returning...