Point Mallard Golf Course

Point Mallard Golf Course sits within the Point Mallard Park complex in Decatur, Alabama, a municipal recreation area along the Tennessee River in the northern part of the state. Designed by John LaFoy and opened in the 1970s, the course serves as a public facility accessible to residents and visitors in the Decatur area. The layout occupies relatively flat terrain typical of the Tennessee River valley, with mature tree-lined fairways that define playing corridors and frame individual holes. The course operates as part of the broader Point Mallard Park system, which includes aquatic facilities, camping areas, and other recreational amenities. This integration reflects the municipal golf model common in mid-sized Southern cities, where golf courses function as community assets rather than exclusive private clubs. The routing takes advantage of the natural landscape without dramatic elevation changes, relying instead on strategic bunkering, water features, and tree placement to create interest and challenge. As a public course in northern Alabama, Point Mallard provides an affordable option for local golfers and serves as a venue for regional amateur competitions and junior golf programs. The facility maintains a straightforward, accessible character consistent with its municipal ownership, focusing on playability for a range of skill levels rather than championship-level difficulty. The course benefits from its location within a larger park setting, offering a recreational golf experience integrated into the community's broader outdoor amenities.