FarmLinks at Pursell Farms
Sylacauga’s original recognition can be traced back to its marble quarries, whose product can be found in places like the Ceiling of the Lincoln Memorial, the exterior of the US Supreme Court Building, as well as the Alexander Hamilton US Customs house in Manhattan.
The Pursells have placed Sylacauga on the map for reasons other than Marble. Golf! Starting out in the fertilizer business, the Pursells brought their customers to their doorstep. Selling a patented time release fertilizer product was just what the golf industry was looking for. Instead of traveling around the world to sell the product to the industry, the Pursells had the idea of creating a “research and demonstration” golf course to showcase their product. Different grass types were used throughout the course for varying displays of the fertilizer product effectiveness.
Exceptional conditions and a fair but challenging layout are only part of the story here. The real thing to write home about is the hospitality. Upon reaching the gate, you are first greeted by a heard of longhorn cattle, the inspiration behind the Farmlinks logo. Then the smiling gate guard checks you in for your T-time or directs you to one of the countless other activities (ATVs, fishing, sporting clays, hunting, the spa, tennis, horseback riding, etc.). As you pull thorugh the bag drop, another group of attendants unloads your bag onto the brand new golf carts with ultra plush leather seats. Enjoy a rocking chair view of the Par 5 18th hold before or after your round, and dial in your game at the exceptional practice facility.
Now for the golf. The 18 hole course takes you on a journey over the expansive acreage where the bottom land, forests, meadows and mountains are encountered. Each setting calls on a different part of your golf game while providing picturesque scenery and connection to the land. One of the most famous holes in the State of Alabama is found on the front nine. After a stretch through the meadow, a switchback golf cart path leads you to the top of the mountain section for a 172 foot vertical drop. Aptly named “Hang Time,” take several less clubs than you would think and watch your ball make its descent to the green for your tap in birdie. The journey concludes with a welcoming par five with the clubhouse and Inn looking off to the right side. Two massive oak trees guide your T shot directionally, but careful not to obstruct your next shot to approach the green in two. Set yourself up for an eagle or birdie here for a handshake to the end of your round.
Stay on property at the Inn or with a larger group in one of the several cottages well suited for your next southern weekend filled with all the finest offerings at the farm.
