CULLMAN, Ala. – On Monday, Dec. 13, the McGriff Family of Cullman agreed to transfer ownership of Terri Pines Golf Course and all its facilities to the City of Cullman.
Founded and developed by Bert McGriff over 40 years ago, Terri Pines Golf Course was designed by legendary golf course designer, Tom Jackson. The course is known for offering golfers meticulously maintained, bent grass greens through par-72, 18 holes as well as other golf amenities including a driving range with 25 hitting stations, along with a practice putting green and chipping green. The golf course is perched on the highest point in Cullman County, surrounded by towering pines.
Terri Pines also has tennis facilities with four hard surface lighted courts and a practice wall that shares restrooms with the swimming pool area. The pool area offers an exciting brand of entertainment for water lovers and Terri Pines Grille hosts casual dining options for families and golfers.
“Terri Pines will be an incredible addition to Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism,” said Nathan Anderson, incoming CPRST executive director. “The beautiful setting makes it one of Alabama’s best kept golfing secrets and we believe under the City’s ownership the property will continue to serve Cullman residents and Alabamians for years to come.”
The City of Cullman is growing at an exponential rate, with population growth at 23% in the 2020 census. The additional tennis courts and other amenities provided by the acquisition will support the needs of local schools for tournaments and events as well as encourage positive economic growth within the community.
“There is so much excitement behind inheriting this property gem,” said Clint Hollingsworth, councilmember Place 4, and chair of the Tourism Committee. “Recreational park land adds value to homes and quality of life for our residents. This benevolence is very special, and we are grateful for the generosity of the McGriff family.”
Founder Bert McGriff was a part of Cullman’s influential “Flying 50,” whose responsibility was to promote Cullman as a premier location for industry. Through his time with the “Flying 50,” Mr. McGriff identified a need for a site to host these key industrial executives. Out of that vision, he created a large event meeting space that can accommodate several hundred people.
“It was the key meeting location for community leaders to host industrial prospects and convince them that Cullman was the place for them to locate a new manufacturing facility,” said Dale Greer, director of Cullman Economic Development Agency. “Cullman has been one of the most successful counties in Alabama for new and expanding industry, capital investment and job creation for four decades. Terri Pines facilities and the McGriff family helped make that happen.”
“It was extremely important to our family that we pass the torch to an entity that we knew could continue to carry on the legacy of Terri Pines,” said Barry McGriff. “City of Cullman leadership will be able to continue to fulfill our family’s aspirations for this property.”
With different options presented to the McGriff family through the years, the opportunity with the City of Cullman is what the entire family wholeheartedly believes is the perfect fit for everyone, members, staff, the community and homeowners.
“Our father loved Terri Pines and dedicated his life to ensuring that the development was a place for family, friends and neighbors to gather and enjoy a lifelong sport, golf,” said McGriff. “There have been countless wedding receptions, banquets, celebrations of all kinds at the facility, and we look forward to seeing those traditions continue. Our family truly believes that transfer of ownership is the best way to preserve this venue.”
The future of Terri Pines has always been a topic of family conversations; the City of Cullman’s ownership of Terri Pines presents the best match for what the McGriff family was seeking, which was the preservation of the property for generations to come to enjoy.
“In 2021, Terri Pines has been on pace for a record year of success, and I am confident the city will build on that growth,” said McGriff. “With the acquisition of Terri Pines, the City of Cullman will take over historically successful operations and acquire a property that was recently assessed at a value of $4.7 million. The course is in excellent shape; membership is at its highest in our 40-year history and we recently acquired new equipment to maintain the facilities.”
The transfer of ownership will take effect this month with no foreseeable changes to staff or membership fees. Those with any further questions are encouraged to reach out to the City directly.
The City of Cullman’s new ownership of Terri Pines will not affect Cross Creek Golf Course staffing or operations.
