Lake Martin isn't just a giant puddle in the middle of Alabama. It’s 40,000-plus acres of winding shoreline, granite outcrops, and some of the most frustratingly beautiful greens you’ll ever try to putt on. If you're heading down here, you probably think you know the drill. Rent a boat, hit the Ridge Marina, maybe jump off Chimney Rock if you’re feeling brave. But for golfers? It's a different game. Lake Martin golf courses are a weird, wonderful mix of ultra-exclusive private enclaves and public gems that honestly don't get enough credit.
People get confused. They see a photo of a green overlooking the water and assume they can just book a tee time. Nope. Some of these spots are gated tighter than a vault. Others are wide open but tucked away in the pines where GPS barely works. If you want to play golf here, you have to know which gate to knock on and which hills are going to eat your Titleist whole.
The Willow Point Factor
Willow Point Golf & Country Club is basically the crown jewel. It’s private. Like, really private. Opened back in 1964 and renovated by Hurdzan & Fry in the early 2000s, this place defines the "Lake Martin style." It’s built on a peninsula. That sounds cool until you realize that water is waiting for you on basically every hole on the back nine.
The par-3 13th is the one everyone talks about. It's a peninsula green. If there’s even a whisper of a breeze coming off the lake, your ball is likely headed for a watery grave. It's intimidating. But it’s also stunning. The turf is usually immaculate, and the vibe is old-school Alabama wealth—quiet, understated, and very serious about the Stimpmeter reading.
You need a member to get you in. Or a reciprocal agreement that’s worth its weight in gold. If you can’t get on at Willow Point, don’t beat yourself up. Most people can’t. But it sets the bar for what golf in this region is supposed to look like: elevation changes, pines, and the constant, nagging presence of deep blue water.
StillWaters and the "Tradition" Reality
Now, let’s talk about something you can actually play. StillWaters is the big name for the public and resort crowd. It’s a massive residential community on the eastern side of the lake. They used to have two courses, but now it’s all about The Tradition.
Honestly, The Tradition is a rollercoaster. It’s not a flat, easy-walking course. If you try to walk this, you're either a marathon runner or a glutton for punishment. It’s got these massive elevation drops. You’ll stand on a tee box looking down into a valley of loblolly pines, wondering if you should hit a 3-wood or a wedge just to keep it in the fairway. It’s quirky. Some people hate the blind shots. Others love the challenge of playing "mountain golf" right next to a lake.
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The greens here are usually fast. They’ve put a lot of work into the conditioning lately, trying to shake off that "resort course" reputation and make it a destination. It’s accessible, which is the big draw. You can book a tee time online, show up, and be on the first tee within twenty minutes. Just watch out for the squirrels. They’re bold.
The Secret World of Russell Lands
If you know anything about Lake Martin, you know the name Russell. They own a massive chunk of the shoreline. They’ve also developed some of the most impressive golf property in the Southeast.
Wicker Point Golf Club is the new kid on the block. This is a Coore & Crenshaw design. For golf nerds, those names are like saying "Stradivarius" to a violinist. It’s the only Coore & Crenshaw course in Alabama. It’s part of The Heritage community, and yes, it’s private.
What makes Wicker Point different? It’s "minimalist." Instead of moving millions of tons of dirt to make an artificial landscape, they followed the natural rolls of the land. It feels like it’s been there for a hundred years. The bunkers are ragged and natural. The fairways are wide, but the angles are everything. It’s a thinking man’s course. If you’re a "grip it and rip it" type of player, Wicker Point will probably humiliate you. It’s about strategy, not just raw power.
Why Lakewinds is the Local Favorite
Look, not everyone wants to spend $200 on a round or navigate a private gate. Sometimes you just want a cheap round with a cooler in the back of the cart. That’s Lakewinds Golf Course.
It’s owned by the City of Alexander City. It’s affordable. It’s friendly. Is it as pristine as Willow Point? No. Of course not. But it’s got a loyal following for a reason. It’s a solid layout that doesn't try to be something it isn't. It’s a great place for a Sunday morning round when you’re nursing a mild hangover from too many Bushwackers at Chuck’s Marina the night before.
The front nine is somewhat open, but the back nine gets tight. You’re playing through the trees, and the lake peeks out at you on a few holes. It’s the kind of place where the locals know every break on the greens. If you want the "real" Lake Martin golf experience—the one the people who actually live here year-round enjoy—this is it.
The Hidden Gem: Robert Trent Jones Trail (Nearby)
Okay, this isn't technically on the shores of Lake Martin, but you’d be crazy to come here and not drive 30 minutes to Prattville or Gadsden. The RTJ Golf Trail is world-famous for a reason.
Grand National in Opelika is the closest heavy hitter. It’s built around Lake Saugahatchee. If you think the water hazards at Lake Martin are tough, wait until you see the Links course at Grand National. It’s brutal. It’s beautiful. It’s hosted PGA Tour events.
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Most golfers who stay at Lake Martin for a week will do a "loop." They’ll play StillWaters for convenience, try to bribe a friend to get them into Willow Point, and then drive over to Grand National for a "major championship" feel. It’s a lot of golf. Your back will hurt. Your handicap will probably go up. But you’ll have a blast.
Navigating the Terrain and the Weather
Golfing in Alabama isn't like golfing in Arizona or Florida. We have humidity. Real, thick, "you can wear the air" humidity. If you’re playing in July or August, get an early tee time. Seriously. By 11:00 AM, the sun is a physical weight.
Also, the terrain here is mostly Piedmont plateau. That means red clay and rocks. If you miss the fairway, don’t expect a nice sandy lie. You’re going to be hitting off hardpan or digging through pine needles.
- Tip 1: Bring extra balls. The lake and the woods are hungry.
- Tip 2: Check the lake levels. In the winter, the water is drawn down. The views are different, and some of those "water hazards" become red mud pits.
- Tip 3: Respect the dress codes. Even at the public spots, people tend to keep it "collared shirt" traditional.
The Social Scene
One thing people get wrong about Lake Martin golf courses is thinking it’s just about the 18 holes. It isn’t. Around here, the "19th hole" is usually a dock.
At StillWaters, you’ve got Copper’s Grill. It’s a legit hangout. You’ll see people in golf spikes sitting right next to people who just walked off a pontoon boat in flip-flops. That’s the magic of the lake. It levels the playing field.
The private clubs are a bit more refined, but even they have a "lake casual" vibe. No one is wearing a three-piece suit. It’s about the lifestyle. You play a round, you talk about your birdies (or your three-putts), and then you get back on the water. If you aren't ending your golf day with a sunset over the water, you're doing it wrong.
Breaking Down the Costs
Let's talk money because golf isn't cheap.
- Lakewinds: You can usually play here for under $50, including a cart. It’s one of the best values in the state.
- StillWaters: Expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $90 depending on the season and the day of the week.
- Private Clubs: If you're a guest, you're looking at $150 to $300+, plus caddie fees at places like Wicker Point.
Is it worth it? Totally. The variety is what makes it work. You can have a budget-friendly weekend or a high-end luxury retreat.
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Common Misconceptions
People think Lake Martin is flat because it’s a lake. Wrong. The surrounding area is very hilly. You will have side-hill lies that make you want to scream. You will have uphill putts that look downhill.
Another myth: "I can see the lake from every hole."
Not true. Even the courses right on the water have "interior" holes that feel like you're deep in the forest. It’s a mix. You get that coastal feel for a few holes, then you’re back in the Alabama woods.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to hit the Lake Martin golf courses, don’t just wing it.
Start by deciding on your home base. If you stay on the south end near the dam, you're closer to the RTJ courses in Prattville. If you stay in the Blue Creek or StillWaters area, you’re right in the heart of the lake golf scene.
Next, call ahead. Even the public courses host a lot of local tournaments. There’s nothing worse than driving down a winding country road only to find out there’s a 40-team scramble taking up the whole course.
Finally, pack for the weather. Rain gear is a must—summer thunderstorms pop up out of nowhere here. They’re gone in twenty minutes, but they’ll soak you to the bone if you aren't ready.
Your Lake Martin Golf Checklist:
- Book your tee times at StillWaters at least two weeks in advance for weekend play.
- Hydrate. Then hydrate more. The Alabama sun doesn't play around.
- Bring a rangefinder with slope. The elevation changes here are deceptive.
- If you're looking for a lesson, the pros at Willow Point and StillWaters are top-notch and used to dealing with "lake golfers" who might be a bit rusty.
The golf here is special because it’s tied to the rhythm of the lake. It’s relaxed but challenging. It’s beautiful but punishing. Basically, it’s exactly what golf should be. Whether you're playing the muni or the high-end private club, you're going to walk off the 18th green wanting more. Just make sure you know where the nearest dock is.