Secret Golf Season 1 Episode 3 The Rural Golfer - Season 1- Farmlinks

As a golf enthusiast, it's always exciting to explore new courses. In this episode of Secret Golf, host Elkington travels to the heartland of America to experience Farmlinks, a unique and challenging golf course located on a sprawling farm in Alabama.

The episode opens with Elkington talking to the course designer, Michael Hurdzan, who explains the philosophy behind Farmlinks. Designed to be ecologically sustainable, the course features native grasses, wildflowers, and natural water features. It also has several unusual design elements, such as the "quarry hole," which was created using rocks dug up during construction.

As Elkington makes his way through the course, he's struck by the beauty of the landscape. The rolling hills and lush greenery make it easy to forget that he's in the middle of farmland. However, he quickly discovers that the course is no walk in the park. With tricky bunkers, long par 4s, and water hazards that seem to come out of nowhere, Farmlinks presents a true challenge to even the most experienced golfer.

Despite the difficulty of the course, Elkington is clearly enjoying himself. He takes time to chat with other golfers on the course, and even stops to admire the view from one of the elevated tee boxes. Along the way, he shares tips and techniques for tackling the unique challenges of Farmlinks.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is Elkington's conversation with Hurdzan about the environmental impact of golf courses. Hurdzan explains how he and his team worked to create a course that would be less harmful to the surrounding ecosystem. This includes using native plants, reducing the amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and using natural drainage systems. By focusing on sustainability, Farmlinks has become an example of how golf courses can coexist with nature in a responsible way.

As the episode draws to a close, Elkington reflects on his experience at Farmlinks. He admits that it was one of the most challenging courses he's ever played, but also one of the most rewarding. He encourages other golfers to seek out courses that offer something different from the usual fare, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world around them.

Overall, The Rural Golfer - Season 1- Farmlinks is a fascinating look at a unique golf course that's breaking the mold in terms of design and sustainability. With its gorgeous scenery and challenging layout, Farmlinks is a must-play for any golfer looking for a new and exciting experience.