More than two decades ago Dr. David Bronner, who heads Alabama’s State Retirement System, had a vision. He could see first-class golf courses from Florence all the way to the Gulf Coast, with tourists from all over the country coming to Alabama to play golf.

Today, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a reality, and a report from the Alabama Tourism Department says golf is responsible for $437 million for the tourism industry in the state. Include tournaments, real estate and course operations, and the total tally for 2010 was $1.5 billion.

Very impressive.

Dr. Bronner is currently being criticized for the performance of the Retirement Systems portfolio. We won’t take sides on that issue, but will point out that the golf courses he envisioned and then made reality not only provide an economic boost for the state, they also help in the much-needed attempts to improve Alabama’s image.

It starts with the courses themselves. Designed by the iconic Robert Trent Jones, they are magnificent layouts that offer challenge and playability for all skill levels. The courses are well maintained and almost always in pristine shape.

The staff at each stop on the trail treats the arriving golfer in the same manner as a fancy resort or private golf club. The experience is first-class all the way. That, coupled with extraordinary golf, gives visitors a welcome appreciation for Alabama and its people.

It is not unusual, especially in the early spring or fall months, to see scores of automobiles with tags from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana or Ohio in the parking lots of the golf courses. Thousands of golfers from those states come here each year to enjoy our moderate climate and a unique golf experience.

“Golf brings visitors to the state, spurs new residential construction, generates retail sales and creates demand for a myriad of goods and services,” the report stated.

There are 11 sites on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, with 26 courses. Those courses and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center rank atop the state’s tourism attractions. Each sees about 500,000 visitors each year.

“While the financial impact of golf should not be minimized, what can’t be measured is the improvement in Alabama’s image that results from tens of thousands of golfers experiencing their first visits,” said Lee Sentell, state tourism director.

When Dr. Bronner first explored his vision, there were many who said it would never happen or that it would not work.

Today, it has happened, and it does work.

Well played.