The Experience at Farmlinks Golf Club an Alabama Legend

When a scorecard proudly proclaims the course as an" Experience," there are only two ways to look at it. Either this course is trying to cover up its wide-scale deficiencies by making such a grandiose statement or this course is an all-inclusive slice of heaven, and one that must garner my full attention.

In the case of Farmlinks at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Alabama only the later is true.

The experience part of the Farmlinks saga starts with the rich history of the Pursell family and their pursuit of excellence in business and golf. Thanks to the invention of one of the most successful fertilizers in history, Polyon, Jimmy Pursell and his son David were able to create a golfer's dreamscape with the help from designers Hurdzan/Fry and primarily Mother Nature.

Everywhere you look you'll see signs of the farming industry the Pursell's cling to so dearly. From the red and white checkered tablecloths on their outdoor veranda, to the Mason jar glasses of sweet tea, Farmlinks will transport you back to a much simpler time. If you listen closely, you'll even hear the sounds of 1950s country favorites in the parking lot serenading you.

Once on the 3500 acres of pristine Alabama farmland you'll find gentle rolling hills and bails of hay off in the distance as far as the eye can see. The 7,444 yard, par 72 layout presents you with copious amounts of beauty and the opportunity to test every shot in your bag, plus a few you probably didn't think you had. With five sets of tee boxes roughly 500 yards apart, it's extremely easy to find a yardage that will provide you the correct challenge. I usually don't say this, but you might want to play from one farther back tee box than normal. That's because the farther back you go the more prodigious views you'll encounter thanks to Farmlinks mega elevation changes.

But Farmlinks Golf Club is even more than just teeing it up on one of Alabama's finest properties. It is the only championship course in the nation that was designed as a research and demonstration course for turf management. Due to that unique distinction, Farmlinks hosts golf course superintendents from all corners of the world for in-the-field training. In a purposeful design, Farmlinks' tee boxes, fairways, and green complexes are comprised of 23 different grasses so that superintendents can study the newest methods and materials the industry has to offer. The property also offers the country's foremost hands-on internship program for future superintendents through the nearby universities of Auburn and Mississippi State.

"The Experience at FarmLinks is an interactive learning exchange conceived by David Pursell and developed by an elite coalition of the turfgrass industry's leading corporations," stated John Trawick, Farmlinks' Director of Golf Operations. "The 3,500 acre venue that is FarmLinks is the only destination in the world where this coalition meets, on a year-round basis, to showcase their products, services and ideas. Based on substance, not theory, The Experience at FarmLinks is geared specifically for those superintendents intent on becoming the best in the business. FarmLinks averages about 1000 golf course superintendents yearly that visit from around the world. Countries like Australia, Singapore, Europe, China, and North America are only the beginning of the multi country visitors," explained Trawick.

Besides opening up their facility to the superintendents of the world, the Pursells have been able to use Farmlinks to help other. Their philosophy on philanthropy is simple, the more you give the more you get. "Fayetteville High School (Alabama) did not have a football field nor softball field for their respective teams," said John Trawick." The Pursells decided to donate the funds to build each sports field. The football team had never played a home football game and in 2007 they won their grand opening. The bi-annual Pursell Cup raised $100,000 in 2007 to support JDRF. FarmLinks is also home to The First Tee of Pursell Farms which exposes young children to the game of golf and teaches them the core values like honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment," stated Trawick.

As for the golf course, it's miraculously gorgeous, with elevation changes and sweeping views everywhere. Pursell Farms is almost an oxymoron of sorts, as nearly every hole is engulfed by trees, yet there's a good chance you won't be chipping out from them at all during your round. Most putting surfaces are framed by tall timbers that elicit some of the best backdrops in golf.

While all 18 holes are memorable, there's a good bet you'll find the four par-3's instant classics. The par-3 5th can be played anywhere from 210 yards to 123 yards straight down a 150 foot slope to a huge green. If you can choose the right club plus factor in the wind and you'll be rewarded with a birdie putt. John Trawick describes this stunning hole this way. "Not many people outside the state would think Alabama would have a golf hole with 150 foot elevation change. From the back tees the yardage is 210 yards and after the elevation change the actual yardage is 167 yards. During the fall the colors are a stunning sight when you are "on top of the world."

Another short hole of note is the brilliant par-3 17th, a longer version of the 12th at Augusta National. The hole plays 196 yards over water and in the background you'll see azaleas growing during the spring time with Parker Lodge (their on-site retreat that's perfect for your next guy trip) tucked back into the woods. I dare you to find two more dramatic, dynamically different par-3's in the country!

Everyone is looking for value in these tighter economic times, and Farmlinks has a package that much like the course is simplistically beautiful. For less than $150 golfers will be treated to unlimited golf for the day, range balls, all non-alcoholic beverages, and lunch. "The all inclusive rate is a unique concept," explained Trawick. "It allows our guests to pay one rate and includes space available unlimited golf, golf cart, range balls, lunch, all non-alcoholic beverages, and snacks. Most of our guests play a minimum of 27 holes but many try to get in 36 in a day. Ice cold apples on holes #1 and #10 accompanied by chilled mango scented cold towels on hot sweltering days are all part of the Experience."

For more information on Farmslinks Golf Club, visit their website at www.farmlinksgolfclub.com or call their pro shop at 1-877-292-FARM.