Destination Golf: Pursell Farms

If great golf, luxurious accommodations, and southern hospitality are what you’re looking for, then look no further than Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, AL. The off-the-grid destination offers all of that and much more!

Set on 3,200 unspoiled acres in the Central Alabama foothills, Pursell Farms is the perfect location for a golf vacation, weekend getaway, sporting adventure, destination wedding, or corporate retreat.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the gate by a smiling face welcoming you to the property. It’s a sign of things to come. All the staff at Pursell Farms seems genuinely happy to be there and go out of there way to make sure that your stay is an enjoyable one.

Golf at FarmLinks

FarmLinks Golf Club at Pursell Farms first opened to the public in 2003. The 18-hole championship layout plays up to 7,444 yards from the back tees. There are five sets of tees in all: Longhorn, Copperhead, Whitetail, Bobcat, and Quail. Speaking of Longhorns, you’ll have a chance to see plenty of them in the pastures on each side of the drive as you enter the property.

The course was designed by Hurdzan/Fry Golf Design with great influence from David Pursell.

FarmLinks began as an experimental golf course to sell the Pursell Technologies slow-release fertilizers. Rather than deploy salespeople, the Pursells invited superintendents to the farm for the Experience at FarmLinks. By 2002, FarmLinks was the world’s only agronomic research and demonstration golf course. It was a true “living laboratory”, and has drawn more than 10,000 superintendents from across North America.

The fertilizer company was sold in 2006 and FarmLinks began its metamorphosis into the destination resort, Pursell Farms.

With that history, you’d expect FarmLinks to be a well-conditioned golf course….and you’d be right. The tee boxes, fairways, and greens are all immaculate. The fairways are wide, allowing the player to enjoy playing aggressively from the tee. The greens are large with gentle undulations.

Simply put, there are no bad holes at FarmLinks. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the holes on each side.

First up is number four. If the first three holes area meant to ease you into the round, the fourth is designed to be a wake-up call. It is a long, straight away par-4 with an uphill approach shot across a creek to a green that can be quite challenging depending on the hole location. Number 4 is known as the “Lower 40”, a reference to a field on a farm that requires a full day’s work. Make a par here and you’re definitely ahead of the game.

The par-3 fifth hole is easily the most photographed on the course. You can see it on the cover of this issue. The hole is known as “Hang Time” due to the 172-foot drop from tee to green. I played the hole from 184 yards and hit a smooth eight iron 15 feet behind the hole, which I’ve done exactly never. The hole easily plays three to four clubs less than the yardage due to the drop in elevation. The view from the tee is absolutely spectacular.

The front nine comes to a close with a very challenging par 4. The ninth is known as “Desoto” because the remains of the renowned explorer’s encampment can still be seen in the woods. The gentle dogleg right requires a good drive to set up an approach to the green guarded by a pond to the right and a bunker to the left. It’s a great hole to end the front side.

Number 12 is a long, difficult par-4 known as “Eureka Railroad” due to the train tracks that once ran through the property. You’ll get a preview of the hole while driving in. It definitely looks easier from the road than it plays, so be ready! Hit a good drive and make sure to take plenty of club on your second shot, which plays more uphill than you might realize. The green is massive, so your work is not done even if you reach the surface in regulation.

Number 17 is another very nice par 3. This one requires a carry over water to the green. The hole plays downhill, but nothing like the fifth. It is the last of four very strong par threes and probably the best chance at birdie. Beyond the green, set in the trees, you’ll see Parker Lodge, which hosts special groups and outings.

The 18^th is a long par-5 called “Orchards”. Many years ago, this part of the property was home to a sprawling expanse of apple and other fruit trees. Hamilton Place (located to the left) is the original farmhouse owned by the family at that time. The house was built prior to the Civil War. To the right of the fairways is The Inn, which is the newest of all the accommodations at Pursell Farms. Keep your first two shots in the fairways for a chance to hit a wedge close and close out with a birdie!

One interesting feature that you’ll notice when playing FarmLinks at Pursell Farms is the historic markers that are placed throughout the course. They pay homage to the history of the property and to the region. For instance, there is a quarry on site that provided much of the marble used to build the Lincoln Memorial and other historic structures in our nation’s capital.

FarmLinks at Pursell Farms is a very enjoyable and challenging golf course. The setting is absolutely spectacular. You won’t just enjoy the golf, but you’ll appreciate the scenery and the peacefulness. It is a truly special course and one that I look forward to playing again soon!

Accommodations

There are 81 total guest rooms at Pursell Farms. The most recent lodging option is The Inn, featuring 40 guest rooms. The three-story country estate-styled inn opened in 2018. Its richly appointed interior was designed by Ellen Pursell. The rooms are both elegant and comfortable.

If a cabin or cottage is more to your liking, then Masters Row or Architect Circle might just be your spot. Each has four guest rooms, each of those with two queen beds, television, and private bath. There is a shared living area with television and dining area. Golf Carts are parked on-site for each guest room. The Master’s Row Cottages and Cabins offer putting and chipping greens right outside your back door.

Parker Lodge is a great choice for groups. It houses eight guest rooms and will accommodate up to 16 people. It consists of a great room with a stacked stone fireplace, a living room with a stone fireplace, kitchen, dining room, game room, and outdoor seating areas. Catering services are available.

No matter what your lodging needs, Pursell Farms is sure to have a great fit!

Dining

No trip to Pursell Farms is complete without experiencing the amazing food. Arrington and Old Tom’s Pub are both located in The Inn.

Arrington is the fine dining restaurant, which overlooks the 18^th fairway. Executive Chef Joseph Truex takes pride in presenting meals that are fresh, farm-inspired, and a memorable experience for each guest. Dining in the restaurant is “resort casual” with three dedicated menus for breakfast, lunch, & dinner.

Old Tom’s Pub serves small plates, pizzas, and sandwiches. Enjoy a cocktail or beer from the fully-stocked bar. We enjoyed several games of pool on Jim Nabors’ (yes, “Gomer Pyle”) pool table. Mr. Nabors was a close friend of the Pursells and actually introduced Jimmy Pursell to his wife-to-be Chrissy Parker. He was the best man in their wedding. Old Tom’s Pub is also open for all three meals.

The food at both restaurants is outstanding and the service is impeccable. At each meal, we were warmly greeted and made to feel right at home.

“The Grille” is located in the clubhouse and is the perfect place for breakfast or lunch before or after your round. I grabbed a sandwich at the turn, and it was served quickly and really hit the spot! The Grille is open from 7:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Other activities at Pursell Farms include shooting and fishing at Orvis Adventures, the UTV Mountain Experience, Yoga on the Mountain, and the Spring House Spa.

There is a gorgeous 22-acre venue with indoor and outdoor seating for weddings ceremonies and receptions anchored by the Hamilton Place Ballroom and Hamilton Home.

Pursell Farms definitely has something for everyone!

Pursell Farms has received rave reviews for many years. There is no mystery as to why. It is a very special place and it just keeps getting better with age!

When you combine world-class golf with first-rate accommodations, amazing food, and gracious southern hospitality and set it all in a relaxing environment you arrive at Pursell Farms. Make sure to treat yourself to the experience!

For more information, visit pursellfarms.com.

Listen to Randy Burgan’s Interview With David Pursell: