Gadsden may not be well known to people outside of Alabama, but this small town of about 36,000 not only played an important role in the Civil War, but it was an integral part of Alabama’s rise as a southern industrial power, being home to steel, textile, and other manufacturing facilities. From the late 19th century through the 1980s, companies such as the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Republic Steel called Gadsden home. As the economy changed, these companies moved out, taking a lot of jobs with them, but one business that has survived is The Gadsden Country Club.
The Gadsden Country Club was founded in 1919 on what was originally a peach orchard adjacent to the Noccalula Falls. The original club which included a 9-hole course was built on 50 acres of land, with an option of 50 more acres for 9 more holes at a future date. As it turned out, the other nine wasn’t built until 1942.
Gadsden’s CC’s tennis facilities include 8 Har-Tru soft courts, four hard courts, a fully stocked Tennis Pro Shop with racquet restringing capabilities, re-gripping, diagnostics, and the latest demos to try when it’s time for a new weapon on the court. Certified Tennis Professional Paul Robin coordinates all tennis operations such as private or group tennis lessons and a junior tennis program for all ages. Weather permitting, the tennis facilities are available year-round.
The centerpiece of Gadsden Country Club is the 18-hole championship golf course. Since its original creation in 1919 by Scotsman George Black, there have been numerous changes; holes have been rerouted and the nines have been flipped. It is unknown who designed the second nine; some have attributed it to the infamous A.W Tillinghast who had visited the area years earlier and was thoroughly impressed. In 1997 world-renowned golf course architect Bill Bergin was brought in to weave his magic and reimagine the golf course.
There are a lot of fun and challenging holes at Gadsden Country Club but none as memorable as the run from Number 15 through the 18th green. Make it around these four holes with a number around or below par, and you’ve probably had a pretty good round. Number 15 is the club’s signature hole, a picturesque par 3 over water that plays 157 yards from the Blue Tees. It’s one of only a few holes that doesn’t have a profound elevation change. It’s a 140-yard carry over the water with a small pot bunker in the back. Find the bunker and your sand shot can be intimidating with the water looming beyond the pin. Par is a good score here.
Number 17 is a dogleg left that plays 359 yards from the Blue Tees. The large pine tree in front of you screams “drive the ball over me,” and if you do so successfully, you’ll have about a 100 – 110-yard pitch shot slightly uphill.
The closing hole is the toughest on the inward nine and one that will surely test your mettle, Ideally, you want to play down the left side and find the fairway left of the fairway bunker on the right. Hit your drive right off the tee and the fairway falls off by the trees and cart path, leaving an extraordinarily hard second shot. Trees dot the landscape along the left side too and anything left of those trees will be tough as well. A good drive will leave a mid-iron into a small green protected by a bunker front right and a large overhanging oak tree front left. Once again, par is a good score here.
After your round, head inside the clubhouse for your favorite beverage and a bite to eat. When it comes to dining and good food, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than what is offered at Gadsden Country Club. The dining facilities include a Gentleman’s and Mixed Grill, Casual Dining Room, Main Bar, and several private dining rooms that are used for banquet and private events.
If you’re serious about your golf game and want to take it to the next level, PGA resident pro Matt Ganshaw can help. Using the Trackman launch monitor and indoor simulator, he can help fix any of your swing woes. The pro shop is fully stocked with logoed apparel from all of your favorite manufacturers as well as tees, balls, and other golf necessities.
For more information on Gadsden Country Club or becoming a member, you can call them at (256) 546-0451 or visit them online at www.thegadsdencountryclub.com.