Shoal Creek Golf and Country Club , located in Shelby County , east of Hoover, Alabama , USA, ( Birmingham metro area) is an invitation-only private golf club which opened in 1977. The course was designed by professional golfer Jack Nicklaus and is rated as the top golf course in the state. [1] In fact, Shoal Creek has consistently listed as one of America's top courses, most recently being ranked #50 in Golf Digest and #70 in Golf Week .