It’s finally time to visit “The Experiment” known as FarmLinks Golf Club.
The experience starts as you are driving down a country road with farmland and pastures, then you see it, a Grand Entrance to a pasture full of Longhorns. I’ve been around some pretty exclusive cattle ranches, but in all my, life I have never see a gate to a pasture like this.
It was obvious we were going to be in for something special at The Farm.
Pulling up to the gate house, we were greeted by a kind gentleman, who welcomed us to The Farm. After telling him my name, he informed us of our itinerary and provided me directions to the Club House, which was two miles inside the property.
Proceeding down the driveway, the anticipation was mounting – where was the golf course? All we could see were grazing Longhorns and pastureland. After passing The ORVIS Adventure Shooting Grounds and Clubhouse, in the distance I spotted a fairway, then a green, then another.
The first thing I noticed was the pristine green of the fairway and the green. Everything was so green, it almost looked like a painting. The next thing that stood out was the distance between the holes. Each hole was carefully laid out to fit the natural contour of the land, not the normal cram all 18 holes in and make it fit.
Our tee-time couldn’t come soon enough, we were ready for this.
After a quick warm-up on what has to be one of the nicest practice ranges, I’ve ever had the privilege to warm-up on, it was off to the first tee.
Most of the courses I play have one or two holes that I call come-back holes. Holes that are usually challenging with some type of unique characteristic that add to the challenge of the hole. These are the holes that make me want to come back and play the course again. Sometimes it is because I played the hole well and want to do it again and sometimes, it is because I didn’t play the hole well and want to come back for a do-over. Either way, these come-back holes become etched into my memory forever.
FarmLinks has 18 come-back holes, but they did have two that stood out more than the rest. Both Par 3’s, the Signature Hole #5, known as Hang Time and #17 known as Big Gulp.
Rather than tell you about all of the holes, I will highlight my two favorite holes and then some of the other memorable holes.
#1 – THE FARM
A great beginning hole. A wide-open par 5, giving you good opportunity to start your round. In fact, the first three holes are just what you need to get your round started before facing the #1 handicap 4th, known as the LOWER 40.
#4 – LOWER 40 (#1 Handicap)
Playing at 426 yards from the Whitetail Tees, the Lower 40, doesn’t look that difficult, until you get off the tee. Those 426 yards are all there, with a creek crossing the fairway 50 yards in front of the raised green. This hole earned it’s #1 handicap.
#5 – HANG TIME
The 5th is the Signature; known as HANG TIME. The Name says it all…172 yards (from the Whitetail Tees) and 172 feet straight down. Hit just enough club to get the ball up in the air and watch it drop onto the huge green. This has to be my favorite hole of all time; I could play it over and over.
This hole is also one of the most picturesque holes I have ever played. The tee box is located at the top of the mountain, a zigzag switchback cart path gets you up there where you get an incredible view of The Farm and the Marble quarry.
#7 – BIG DADDY
Be sure and check out the tire swing to the left of the green. This is the former home place of a Pursell family friend, an old farmhouse sat on the small bluff, behind the tire swing.
#9 – DESOTO
In 1540, Hernando DeSoto and his band of fortune-seeking Spaniards passed through here searching for El Dorado and an easy passage to China. It is believed that when he passed through this part of the state, while following the Coosa River, he made camp for a Winter in these woods before heading Southwest. The breastwork remains from their encampment can still be seen in the woods.
#11 – LONELY PINE
No imagination necessary in understanding the reason this hole got its name. Smack dab in the middle of the fairway is one lone pine tree – a ball magnet.
#15 – SHOWCASE
Featuring a type of Bermuda grass that only needs to be mowed once a year. Be sure and check it out on the bunker face of the trap to the left side of the green. The grass is called Discovery Bermuda.
#17 BIG GULP
Don’t let the 145 yards fool you, it doesn’t look that long, but it is every bit of 145 yards. This Par 3 isn’t a hard hole, but you must remain focused on the hole and not the beauty of Parker Lodge sitting directly behind the hole or the 100+ yards of water to carry in front of the hole.
This hole earns come-back status, just for the sheer beauty of the hole, after #5 probably the most photographed hole on the course.
FarmLinks Golf Club is a one-of-a-kind place. In addition to the golf, luxurious accommodations are available on property as well as multiple dining options, all serving farm-fresh cuisine.
It was so special, that it is hard to describe it – you MUST experience it to fully appreciate it. With the Fall Specials recently announced by Pursell Farms, there is no better time to Create some Memories at Pursell Farms.
FALL GOLF PACKAGES ANNOUNCED AT PURSELL FARMS, HOME OF GOLFWEEK’S “NUMBER ONE BEST COURSE YOU CAN PLAY IN ALABAMA”
Fall golf packages at Pursell Farms are announced by David Pursell, CEO and Co-Founder of the 3,200-acre resort located less than an hour from Birmingham. Pursell Farms is home to FarmLinks, rated the “Number One Best Course You Can Play in Alabama” by Golfweek again in 2020, its eighth year of winning the honor.
“Fall is a great time to play golf here, especially for golfers who can get away during the week,” said David. “Plus, our Clubhouse is newly designed with a full-service bar open until 5 pm, indoor-outdoor seating, and breakfast and lunch menus. It’s truly the 19th hole.”
FALL GOLF PACKAGES
- Overnight stay in Inn guestroom
- Two rounds of golf per person
- Golf cart, use of practice range, unlimited Titleist golf balls on driving range, golf gift
- Fall Weekday Golf Package – $199 per person double occupancy, $290 per person single occupancy. Available Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings for golf rounds Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Golf course is not open on Monday.
- Fall Weekend Golf Package – $295 per person double occupancy, $410 per person single occupancy. Available Friday and Saturday evenings for golf rounds Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Exclusive of taxes and resort fee; offered September 1 through October 31, 2020; please visit www.pursellfarms.com for details.
FarmLinks Golf Club may have been created as a sales tool to show golf industry professionals the benefits of a special blend of fertilizer, but today it is a World-Class Destination Resort that also has the Number #1 Rated Golf Course in the State. How can you go wrong?
Pursell Farms is as good as it gets, no matter whether you’re a low-handicapper or just taking up the game. Even if you aren’t a golfer, there is so much to do here that a getaway to Pursell Farms is enjoyable by all.
The next time you’re considering a golf trip with or without wives, Pursell Farms should be at the top of your list. If you want to treat your wife to something special, bring her along! Who knows she might even start encouraging you to do more golf trips, especially if you go back to Pursell Farms.
For more information visit: https://pursellfarms.com
