Get Out and Play STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTO BY CLIFF WILLIAMS
Lake area golf courses offer challenging play in beautiful settings
Lake Martin golf makes exceptional memories as golfers are treated to fiery sunsets on Willow Point’s 13th hole; wild turkey ambling across the 18th fairway at Stillwaters as the morning mist rises; and celebrating a chip shot on Lakewinds 14th that doesn’t over-hit the green. And soon, Russell Lands will add Alabama’s only world-class Coore and Crenshaw course to the list of memorable golf experiences at the lake. Designed by renowned architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the new course now under construction at Russell Lands’ The Heritage neighborhood is expected to draw an international audience. One day, the course could even contend for Golf Digest Magazine’s annual list of the top 100 golf courses in the world. The 18-hole course will be located in the Wicker Point area of the lake, just off state Route 63. The course will feature rolling and cascading fairways that are reminiscent of courses in the Northeast U.S. in the early 1900s. Russell Lands also owns the beautiful Willow Point Golf and Country Club, where lake views from the clubhouse are as spectacular as the play on the course. With six ranges of play, the course hits 7,400 yards from the back tees. The links-style front nine challenges players with strategically placed bunkers and thick fescue while the back features gorgeous lake views. The water comes into play on six holes. PGA Pro Matt Sheppard directs the Willow Golf program with the objective of helping every player at every level to enjoy the game. Willow Point also is the home course for the Central
Alabama Community College men’s golf team. The CACC Trojans have won two national titles under Coach Dave Jennings. Visit willowpoint.com to learn more. The Traditions Course (formerly The Highlands) at Stillwaters on Lake Martin’s eastern shoreline made the Golf Digest list in 1997. Playing 6,906 yards from the back tees, the par-72 course includes more than 200 feet in elevation and five ranges of difficulty. Under the new ownership of Keith Hiett and the directorship of PGA Pro Rob “Gabby” Witherington, the Traditions course features well-bunkered, lush and finely manicured greens, as well as rolling fairways. Paired with dinner and drinks at Copper’s Grill in the clubhouse, Stillwaters makes a great day of golf. Visit stillwatersgolf.com to arrange a tee time. Inside Alexander City city limits, Lakewinds Golf Course offers 5,326 yards of par-70 play. Built in 1966, the public course offers challenging play and well managed care. The old-style course features rounded greens and three water hazard holes that require strategic placement of tee shots. In addition, the local woods around the course are home to a variety of wildlife that frequent the fairways, making for interesting and relaxing play. Visit lakewindsolfclub.com for tee times. Within an hour’s drive, the area also offers access to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Capitol Hill in Prattville. Here, three championship courses – Judge, Legislator and Senator – challenge golfers with island greens, a native cypress swamp and secluded settings. Visit rtjgolf.com/capitolhill/ for availability and details.
WE MAKE IT GREAT HERE! | FEBRUARY 2022
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