Planning a quick trip to Pursell Farms in November but wanted to play a few Birmingham courses we haven’t gotten to in a while/ever also. Last time out, we played Oxmoor Valley (Ridge) and Ross Bridge but this year we want to branch out a bit. Looks like Timberline and Ballantrae are good options and Highland park could be a good 2nd course on a 36 hole day. Any other courses to consider or any negative things to say about the courses mentioned above?
Also, looks like you can only book Timberline 7 days out and Ballantrae is 5 (five! sheesh!) days out? That could make planning a bit hairy.
@VandyLand Ballaentrae is a good choice but may be tough to get a tee time since it’s a true semi-private club. It was private until 3-5 years ago or so. Members get first dibs on tee times so it’s hard to get the time you want at times, but well worth the shot.
Timberline is slightly better in my opinion but both are great. You can argue that Timberline is the best public track in BHM within a 30 mile drive. The only negative about Timberline is the property runs out of room on the back 9 on hole 16 or 17 I believe when it plays towards I-65. Great course and pretty challenging.
Highland Park is a nice option that’s only 5900 from the tips but has a lot of quirk and fun holes you have to be strategic on. Its in the middle of downtown close to great restaurants. The greens were redone in 2019/2020 so they are solid considering the wear and tear they get.
Bent Brook in Bessemer, AL is a very solid public option with 3 sets of 9 holes (27 total). Greens are always in great shape and the course is very playable for all skill sets.
If you are in the area on 10/30, we have a few tee times set at Farmlinks and you are more than welcome to join.
@VandyLand It may also be worth checking out Oxmoor Valley (Valley). They were scheduled to finish revamping the Valley course and reopening it for play this month.
It’s your typical RTJ track but I’m interested in checking it out since they have been working it the last 6 months.
Thanks @Flatach2 , unfortunately I will only be around in mid November but I do love any excuse to get to Pursell. With the daylight situation in November, it will likely come down to where we can get the earliest tee time out of Highland Park, Ballantrae, Bent Brook and Timberline if we are trying (potentially in vain) to get 36 in. As far as RTJ goes, let’s just say the other guys in our group do not love Mr. Jones’ design philosophy so that may be a tough sell but greatly appreciate all the insight!
@Jim_Sand Sunday is little less hectic than Saturday’s. Teeing off early (prior to 9am) usually helps avoid the crowd. The round will probably take around 4 hours depending on how many groups are ahead of you.
Certain days the course will open up a bit around 2 or 3 PM.
It’s a fun course where you only need to hit driver off the tee on 3-5 holes to have a good shot at par.
Tron just posted that they’re going to use the original sheet for the waiting list. That thread disintegrated into unbridled dumbassery with people offering to buy/sell their spot on the trip so they are putting the clamps down.
Some people on this board are truly on a different planet.
I cruised by there a few months back. Great piece of property. I like how all of the land on that part of the lake is flatter and closer to water level.
You are welcome to join us on the 30th at Farm Links.
I’d love to join but my dad whose a North Carolina alum and I are headed up to South Bend that weekend for the Carolina Notre Dame game so I’ll be oot unfortunately
Unfortunately it looks like I’ll be back down in Louisiana wrapping up a few projects for the Oct 30th gig, hate I’ll miss it - I’ve never gotten to play Farmlinks and have lived here forever…ha!
