That is the way grass grows right? When your family business is fertilizer, experts at growing grass, you find yourself with a golf course that is meticulously maintained! When you call in the world renowned team of Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry (Hurdzen-Fry as they are generally referred too) to sculpt an 18 hole masterpiece in the rolling hills south of Birmingham, Alabama, you find yourself in a cozy family owned golf resort whose course has been Golfweek’s #1 course in the State for the past 5 years!
Welcome to FarmLinks at Pursell Farms!
It is approximately 400 raters who annually pinpoint the country’s finest golf courses, based on strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning, maintenance and landscape management. So reaching #1 is an achievement and maintaining that #1 position for so long is speaks for itself.
In 2003 the Pursell family took a big step and opened FarmLinks, the world’s first research and demonstration golf course on 3,200 acres of their farmland, about 35 minutes south of Birmingham. Being in the fertilizer business, the golf course was created to support the family and to showcase firsthand to the golf world how to keep things growing green. Over the years key players such as the Toro’s, Club Cars, and John Deere’s, plus over 10,000 golf course superintendents including nearly all of the nation’s Top 100 courses, have visited Pursell Farms and participated in their one of a kind turf grass and agronomic education experience.
FarmLinks
Do Traveling Golfers need much more than a meticulously maintained great golf course on a trip? Of course they do! Guess what…Pursell farms rounds out everything else too.
FarmLinks is a very challenging golf course that stretches back to over 7,400 yards from the tips. Multiple sets of tees makes it very playable for all levels of golfers. The course is sculpted out of the rolling farmlands and features a mix of dramatic elevation changes, pristine fairways and immaculate greens.
Hole #17
While all 18 holes are memorable, there’s a good chance you’ll find the four par-3’s an instant classic. The par-3, 5th plays anywhere from 123 to 210 yards but straight down a 150 foot slope to a huge green. Choose the right club and you are probably looking at a birdie putt.
When you think of golf in Alabama you don’t generally think that you would be facing such dramatic elevation change!
If you are a fall golfer the colors are a stunning and you will feel like you are on top of the world – as long as you are putting for birdie of course!
The 17th is another brilliant par 3, a longer version of the 12th at Augusta National in my eyes anyway. 196 yards over water with spring time Azaleas blossoming on the backside of the green. Two very dynamic holes within a State that has an abundance of dynamic golf.
Don’t forget that just up the road in the Birmingham area you have three of the Robert Trent Jones Trail course close by – Ross Bridge and the two Oxmoor Valley courses that could easily turn your visit into a week-long golf vacation.
The Orvis Farmhouse
There are some very interesting options for Stay and Play on The Farm. Masters Row features a series of cabins and cottages named after golfing legends such as Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. A group may consider this option and enjoy a savory meal prepared for them by the Pursell Farms expert chefs, a true farm to fork experience.
Additionally, options for accommodations include two historic homes, the Orvis Farm House built in 1830, ideal for 5-6 people, the oldest home on the Farm. Hamilton Place listed on the National Register of Historical Places is ideal for 4 guests.
Parker Lodge is a majestic 14,000 sq. ft. structure built of Alabama stone infused with simple charm and rustic splendor and overlooks the 17th green and Lodge Lake has capacity for 14 overnight guests.
FarmLinks at Pursell Farms is not just all about golf though. The Spring House offers up a signature collection of spa services including the rejuvenating Signature and Marblestone massages aimed at melting away tension and tired muscles.
The Orvis Clubhouse
Hunting and fishing is offered up at The Orvis Shooting Grounds at Pursell Farms is an experiential shooting grounds which delivers a sporting experience like none other.
So if you are looking for that unique get-a-way with some special friends or a larger group, Pursell farms could be that place that you may not have ever thought of – you now have absolutely no reason not to check this out.
