When it comes to the turf at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College golf course at Forest Lakes Golf Club near Tifton, Austin Lawton is ready to take on all comers.

“Come out to a golf course that plays great and looks great year-round,” Lawton, an ABAC graduate and the Forest Lakes superintendent, said. “Our golf course is in great shape, and our turf rivals any golf course south of Macon and north of Tallahassee.”

Although Forest Lakes’ nine-hole course is used by ABAC students as a teaching laboratory in a variety of subjects, the course remains open every day as a public course. Sunny summer days, green grass, and chirping birds make the perfect setting for a golf enthusiast to spend a few hours outdoors brushing up on golf skills.

Lawton and his staff work hard every day to make certain the course remains in top playing condition, and prices remain feasible for anyone interested in coming out for a day of fun. Players can choose between playing nine holes or 18 holes. Carts are available for rent.

The course operates from 8 a.m. to sunset each day of the week. The cost to play 18 holes with a cart starts at $21.60 for seniors, students and military. To play nine holes with a cart, the cost starts at $14.40. Membership spots are open starting at $40 per month.

“Don’t let the heat scare you away from playing golf here,” Lawton said. “We welcome early morning and late evening play to beat the heat.”

Recent improvements to the course include selective tree removal from around greens, tees, and fairways, the addition of 10 feet tall colored flags on the driving range, and intensive greens management to provide a more consistent playing surface.

Lawton offered a special thanks to industry partner Hunter Golf Irrigation for the recent donation of an irrigation controller and 30 sprinkler heads, valued at $12,000. The last two

Forest Lakes Supporter Tournaments raised $9,000 so that continued improvements can be made to the course.

“In addition to enhancing our playing grounds, the pro shop area has been reorganized and flowerbeds around the golf course and clubhouse have been revamped,” Lawton said. “We want the course to be both visually appealing and play well.”

Golfers seeking to improve their driving skills can practice on the large driving range. Range balls are $3 per bucket. Unlimited range ball memberships can be added to a regular membership.