The Takeaway:  Pursell Farms is a golf course located in Talladega County, Alabama. Located on the other side of the county from the famed racetrack—is an exceptional golf course located in very rural Alabama. Designed by the Hurdzan-Fry Environmental Golf Design, Inc team, the course is a very friendly and playable experience. It is a high end public high daily fee course that offers stay and play packages. The course is very well maintained and should be played by anyone visiting Alabama to play the RTJ Trail.  Grade A-

Quick Facts

Designer:  Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry 2003

Cost:  Varies based on season Click for current rates

Phone Number:  256-208-7600

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Farmlinks at Pursell Farms's official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 386 Talladega Springs Rd, Sylacauga, Alabama  35151 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Farmlinks at Pursell Farms

What to Expect:  I would like to share with you, my experience. I had taken a trip to Alabama with my graduating senior son for a golf trip on the RTJ Trail. Like most high school seniors, he is on social media. Somehow, someway—and I can't tell you the particulars, my son in Utah was aware of Pursell Farms. Our flight was later that day and we decided to take the drive and visit Pursell Farms prior to our flight. I am so glad we did. The rural roads that lead into Pursell Farms were like a destination site. It was akin to visiting Dismal River, or Sand Hills. Very remote. You passed old Baptist churches, rolling farmland, two lane roads to the middle of nowhere...but once you got there, immediately I realized this is a special place. I can't speak of the particulars—this is what I gleaned from the workers about the place. This is a generational property and the family over time has made this a reality. The profits from the golf course help support their Christian Ministries and philanthropical pursuits. As you drive into the property, you drive for a while thru rolling farmland that offers shooting, fishing, hunting excursions until you finally come to the golf course and clubhouse. Knowing NOTHING of the property and course, I was immediately excited to play and experience Pursell Farms. I promise anyone who visits will come to the same realization that I had—if you visit the RTJ Trail in Alabama and don't visit Pursell Farms, you have done yourself a disservice. It is a truly special place—with a southern vibe that needs to be experienced. I am so grateful for my son for knowing about this property and sharing it with him.

By the Numbers

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  7th Hole – 425 Yard Par 4 – I know what everyone wants me to say—the hole number five. The dramatic 175-foot drop to the green. It's dramatic and everyone will photograph that hole. But for me, I have a different hole for differing reasons. What makes Pursell Farms special is all the markers they have on the course. You read about the family, what happened at the particular places on the course. It's a story. A story of a family. Take the time to read the markers and feel their presence. Life is so hectic, but Pursell Farms is an experience. For me, that story is Hole number 7, Big Daddy. A tire swing and the families homestead was there. The singular tree with the tire swing, set against the beautiful trees captured my soul. The hole was beautiful, but the poignant reminders of family were touching. That hole is the essence of Pursell Farms. As I read the marker and walked up the hill to the par three thru the trees, I just felt I was in a special place. More than a golf course. I was part of the story. And that story resonated in my heart. More than just a beautiful hole, it was the combination of all that happened in that area that made this my signature hole.

Best Par 3:  17th Hole – 193 Yards – Many people will remember Hole number five: Hang Time for pictures, etc. It will be the hole that gets your attention. But it is not the best par three on the course. It's most famous due to the dramatic drop off. But the best par three is Big Gulp, number 17 over the pond as you close out your round. Three of the four par threes play downhill and this hole, with the dramatic pond in front and the green situated next to the pond is the best par three on the course. It too is downhill, but not as much as the other two par threes. A bunker on the right side of the green needs to be avoided, but the green nestled between the pond and the beautiful hard woods trees in the back make a dramatic theatre of golf. This is the best par three on the course without a doubt.

Best Par 4:  16th Hole – 393 Yards – The closing holes at Pursell are REALLY special. In fact, Dana's Pick, hole number 16, could be one of the most beautiful holes I have ever seen. A dog leg right hole, slightly uphill to a perched green nestled on the hill side and surrounded by beautiful trees is unforgettable. From a strategic perspective, 16 has all you want and more. This is the type of hole that requires an excellent drive to set up a really good approach to a daunting green with much undulation. Everything about this hole is really good. From a design element, visualization, beauty and setting—this hole has it all. As you play Dana's Pick, you too will understand what I am saying. Words are not sufficient for how good this hole is. For me, it was the best hole on the entire course and one that I will never forget.

Best Par 5:  6th Hole – 600 Yards – Bootlegger is the best par five on the course. The sixth hole is a downhill par five, hitting from an elevated tee box. The hole is in front of you—it lays on the land like it has always been there. The views from the tee box, down the fairway are spectacular. Little land was removed to create this hole, except the trees but is a really good strong par five that requires precision to properly attack the pin and green. The fairway rises to the perched green with slopes off the left and back side of the hole. This particular hole has design elements that I enjoy. From the tee box, the hole allows you to swing away but it requires you to pick the right line—as well as your approach. Though subtle—it forces you to pay attention. A very well designed hole.

Birdie Time:  1st Hole – 576 Yard Par 5 – For clarification, my son and I made a bad decision. Being from Utah, I looked at the score card, saw 6900 yards and we played from those tee boxes. 6900 yards in Utah is way different than 6900 yards in Alabama. I didn't have many birdies (except into 18, I hit a hybrid from 215 on my third shot into 18 to about three feet for my only birdie of the day). Had we played the correct tee boxes, maybe I could give you a better suggestion—maybe the first hole out of the shoot. Hole number one, the Farm is a par five that is pretty benign in its start. A gentle par five that bends slightly to the right would be my thought. A good drive with a hint of fade and good approach will start you out with an opportunity for birdie out of the gate. I didn't make a birdie on that hole because I was in awe of the property from the get-go. A beautiful pond to the right got my attention and the landscape from the start is truly special.

Bogey Beware:  4th Hole – 476 Yard Par 4 – Lower 40, hole number four is a really difficult hole. It's significantly uphill, separated by a stream that intersects the green and the fairway. The hole is a slight dogleg to the left with the contour of the fairway sloping to the right. You need to hit a booming draw and then account for the elevated green perched on the hillside. I am not sure, but my guess is that this is the number one handicap hole on the course. Again, we played the wrong tee box for elevation, etc. But this hole, along with hole number 12, Eureka Railroad were extremely long and difficult. One more thought: Eureka Railroad, if the pin is front left and you are a back left—you can't two putt that hole. I tried! If the pin is left, aim for the right side of the green. Two months after playing the course, I have not forgotten how difficult the green was on number 12—Eureka Railroad. What a special place!