WICKER POINT GOLF IS ON COURSE

To protect water quality and prevent erosion, five lakeside holes will be sodded by Christmas

Golf icons Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw envision a golf course that looks and plays like it has been here for many years

The natural terrain of the fairways will change very little

honors the existing terrain.

“There’s a crew of about 20 people working day by day, along with Coore and Crenshaw’s two design shapers,” said Russell Lands’ director of golf, Matt Sheppard. “Every week, you see something else happening, and the next thing you know, it starts looking like a golf hole.”

Since the first stages of development, the architects have made joint and individual visits to the area, depending on the expertise required for the scheduled work on the course, but their vision of the project is so strong that their narrative is the same, Sheppard said.

“You can hear similar talk and words about the shape of the golf course and the lay of the land. You hear the way they think about golf and why things should or shouldn’t be a certain way. It’s remarkable,” Sheppard said.

After a week of torrential downpours in the wake of Hurricane Ida in September, the design team fell behind schedule but is moving at a good pace and should be ready to plant grass before winter, said James Morgan, course superintendent for the project.

“This year with COVID-19, there have been manufacturing delays for pipe, irrigation and pump stations, but we’ve made scheduling adjustments here and there and haven’t really had any lost time,” Morgan said.

The course will feature Zeon Zoysia grass for the approaches, tees, fairways and rough and Tifeagle Bermudagrass on the greens, accentuated by bunkers with sand native to the area. The uniquely Alabama appearance of the course will include longleaf pine plantations on many holes, and nine holes will be bordered by the lake. In addition to the native forests, out-of-play areas will be plentiful with native grasses and wildflowers. To preserve and encourage the growth of these species, Russell Lands is working in conjunction with Alabama Wildlife Federation biologist Claude Jenkins, the most recent recipient of the National Wildlife Federation’s National Conservation Leadership Award.

Players will feel they are enveloped in the natural environment as they navigate through varying terrains and topographies, with each hole providing a unique challenge. Natural creeks and pine plantations on the starting holes will give way to the first look of picturesque Lake Martin on hole eight, the second par-3 on

the course.

“As construction is well on its way, the unique qualities of Wicker Point are beginning to materialize,” said Tom Lamberth, president and CEO of Russell Lands. “We believe that players will remember every hole after their first trip around the course, a trait which all great courses have. Wicker Point will be one special place.”

Inspired by the unique location of the landmark peninsula, the new 18-hole course will be defined by its pine plantations, meandering creeks and lakefront holes that emphasize the land’s natural beauty – a signature of a Coore & Crenshaw design. To pay homage to the course’s natural features, the Wicker Point Golf Club logo combines a simple pinecone with the subtle waves of Lake Martin. True to the brand, the wicker theme will be woven throughout the course and will be featured in chairs, benches and through wicker-woven pinecones on the pins.

The clubhouse is being designed by Hank Long of Henry Sprott Long & Associates. The

The Wicker Point Golf Club logo combines a simple pinecone with subtle Lake Martin waves

craftsman-style design will set the tone for classic golf and an authentic Lake Martin experience. The wraparound porch will provide views of multiple holes with Lake Martin vistas in the background – all with a lake-house ambiance providing an ideal setting for dining, events or simply relaxing after a round.

Accompanying the clubhouse, a standalone golf shop, complete with pro shop and men’s and women’s locker rooms, will also feature a “wind down” room, including a lounge area and adjacent bar. A large, undulating practice putting course will not only allow players the opportunity to sharpen their skills before their round but also will lend itself to continuing competition well into the evening.

Wicker Point Golf Club will be the defining element of Russell Lands’ newest residential development, a 1,500-acre neighborhood dubbed The Heritage, which was inspired by the memory of Mr. “Ben” Russell, founder of Russell Lands, Inc., and patriarch of the Russell family. The property includes 12 miles of Lake Martin shoreline and will include waterfront lots and luxury interior lots, as well as a lake club for residents, featuring a pool, boat dock, fitness facility, tennis and pickleball courts. The Heritage lakefront real estate is planned for market availability in 2022.

Lake Martin's spectacular views will enhance play on the only Coore & Crenshaw course in Alabama

Luxurious Amenities: Resort, Golf, Tennis, Fishing, Spa, and Wooded Trails

Everyday Grandeur

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