Hitting the Greens

STORY BY LONNA UPTON & PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS

No matter how you slice it, players get hooked quickly on golf at Lake Martin. Golf courses in the area offer opportunities for the novice, the everyday golfer and the champions. Whether putting a green that’s bordered on three sides by the breathtaking Lake Martin or teeing off above a beautiful Southern woodlands course, the beauty of the area’s courses paints the perfect backdrop for a N round of great golf at the lake.

Willow Point Golf and Country Club

For members and their guests, the Willow Point golf course provides exceptional play on the 18-hole, 72-par course, which measures 7,465 yards from the championship tees. Twelve of the holes are on the lake shore, presenting challenges on six holes where the water comes into play. A putting green and a driving range with tee facilities at both ends of the range are available for practice. Dining areas overlook the golf course and lake. Members’ guests can stay at The Villas and are provided with the same amenities as members, including the pool, fitness center, beach, cabana, golf and dining options. For general information about the private club, call 256-2121407.

Stillwaters Golf Club

On Lake Martin’s east shoreline, The Highlands course at Stillwaters offers 6,906 yards from the back tees on the 18-hole, par-72 course. Stillwaters has been listed on Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses list, and the course boasts lush greens and rolling fairways with 200 feet of elevation. The club offers public play, as well as several levels of membership, including student, senior and out-of-town. In addition to putting and chipping greens, a driving range on Beaver Lake and bunker practice, other amenities at the course include lodging at the Courtside Inn and Copper’s Grill for dining and entertainment. Tee times can be arranged online at stillwatersgolf.com. For information, call the pro shop at 256-825-1353.

Local courses offer challenging play around the lake

Lakewinds Golf Club

A public course located just 5 miles east of downtown Alexander City, Lakewinds is located within sight of Lake Martin. Touted as an old school course, its challenging rounded greens require approach shot and chipping accuracy. With 5,500 yards on the par-70 course and three water hazards, Lakewinds is the site of choice for friendly golf tournaments and matches alike.The course is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until dark for walk-ups and players with tee times. Call 256-825-9860 or book online at lakewindsgolfclub.com.

Wicker Point Golf Club

Just dreaming of golf on the lake? The dream can become reality when you become one of the first to join the new Wicker Point Golf Club, a private golf course scheduled to open in 2023. The only Coore and Crenshaw designed 18-hole course in the state of Alabama, Wicker Point will boast unique challenges, beautiful landscape and lakefront holes. For more information, and to get in on the ground floor of this spectacular golf opportunity, visit wickerpoint.com.

Putt Putt Golf at Wind Creek State Park

And, just for the fun of it, take the kids to the miniature golf course at Wind Creek State Park. The course has 18 holes themed for Lake Martin landmarks, and putters are provided for all ages and sizes. The course is open Tuesday through Saturday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., weather permitting. Campers pay $3 per child aged 6 to 13 and $5 per person aged 14 and up. Non-campers also pay a day-use fee for admission to the park. For information, call 256-329-0845 or search for Wind Creek at alapark.com.