PELHAM – The city of Pelham is home to the state’s most beautiful golf clubhouse, according to a listing recently compiled in July by Architectural Digest.

In a quest to reveal “the most stunning buildings that very few ever get to see,” Architectural Digest selected one clubhouse from each state to be dubbed the state’s most beautiful clubhouse, and Ballantrae Golf Club snagged the win in Alabama.

“…This final list reflects a range of styles, but all are distinctive—and most have features that reflect the spirit of their respective states,” Architectural Digest’s website states. “Since the focus here is on the facade of each clubhouse, not necessarily the interior, we have highlighted the standout settings of the buildings as well. In a nation with hundreds, if not thousands, of worthy contenders, the task of choosing just one from each state was by no means easy.”

Ballantrae’s “stunning, castle-inspired clubhouse” made it stand out from the crowd. “You just might think you’re in Scotland,” the website states.

“I didn’t even know we were being considered for it,” Ballantrae director Hal Brown said of the nod. “It’s great to have that recognition.”

Brown said the clubhouse is also making strides in other areas. The club has added 39 new members so far this year, pushing its membership to more than 200 people for the first time since it opened in 2004. Team member Joan Riosa headed the membership effort.

New staff members have also been added to the team to further improve the golf experience at the clubhouse. Rodney Bryant was hired as the golf course superintendent and Jessica Stewart filled the position of food and beverage manager.

“Rodney Bryant has done a wonderful job with course conditions, such as maintaining the condition of the putting green and widening fairways,” Brown said.

Brown said Stewart initiated a partnership with Smiley Brothers Specialty Foods to exclusively offer the Smiley Burger at the club’s eatery, Fireside Grill.

Fireside Grill is open to the public for breakfast and lunch and can be rented for evening functions. Fireside Grill is open Monday through Sunday and a breakfast buffet is offered on Saturdays from 7-10 a.m. for $8.

Ballantrae also has a conference room that’s available for business groups of 10-20 people.

“Jerry Applegate, our head golf professional, continues to strive for excellent service by keeping our staff well-trained,” Brown said. “We have a phenomenal team and we’re eager to keep pushing ourselves to new heights.”

Brown said he expects revenue to increase this year with an expected 35,000 to 36,000 rounds of golf being played.

For more information about Ballantrae Golf Club, go to Ballantraegolf.com.