Here are just a few comments we have received about Ballantrae Golf Club. We are sure you will feel the same way after your visit. Please email us your comments here.
Butch,
Our E.W.G.A. Chapter Championship, held last Saturday, was a great success. Hal and his staff took care of all the little details that made my job as Tournament Director so easy. And, of course, the food was absolutely delicious. Thank you to you and your staff for a very successful tournament.
Hal,
Thank for helping us stage what must be one of the best Chapter Championship in E.W.G.A. We receive extensive direction from Association Headquarters telling us to ask the course this, will they do that, here’s a scorecard you can customize, a sample pin location sheet, on an on you took care of it all and made my job easy. I also thank you for the donation of two rounds of golf at Ballantrae, those are always sought after prizes. I appreciate all you do for E.W.G.A. and look forward to working with you again soon.
I can’t think of a way to improve what we just did at Ballantrae. They are great, GFGC is great, and Ballantrae is my favorite course.
Could the people at Ballantrae be any nicer? With the course layout, condition and price, it is a real winner.
Great reply, Great course! I vote it as my favorite!
Review from “The Hacker’s Guide”
The Hacker’s guide is distributed in 5 northern states; Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and North and South Dakota. Their advertising estimates that it is seen by over a million golfers.
It would be a significant surprise if there were a bigger secret in Alabama golf than Ballantrae. Although its host, Pelham, happens to be one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama so perhaps word is getting out. Regardless, it’s unlikely there’s a better golf value in the state. Everything meshes so perfectly here. There’s the work ethic of Daniel (cart attendant), “local scene” knowledge of Calvin (ranger), and (starter) Tom Clancy… (No, not that one.) Superintendent Gary’s ever “green thumb” and the humor of one Mr. “Wild” Bill… (The man was everywhere and we still don’t know what he did, but he was hilarious!) Add in the charming, hands-on management of Mr. Brown and Mr. Byrd… and voila! Magnificent! (English for “magnifique.”) You would be hard pressed to find a more dedicated and professional staff in the country.
Southern hospitality at its best, Ballantrae Golf Club is a semi-private Bob Cupp design, tucked just south of the hustle and bustle of Birmingham. A short 5-minute hop east off of I-65, this topographical masterpiece rises and falls through the rolling forested hills. A difficult walk but a beautiful ride, homesick Midwesterners and/or Six Flags aficionados will feel right at home here. The former enchanted by the replica serenity of the northwoods… (Swear we saw a loon.) the latter enamored by the carnival ride elevation changes. Step right up. There’s definitely something for everyone here! Perhaps even more convincing, Ballantrae has been recognized by multiple sources as one of the top 50 courses in America for women! That’s right. Come one… come all!
Though technically a municipal course, you’d never imagine that while playing. Ballantrae, as it is, has become everything former Pelham mayor Bobby Hayes envisioned it could be. His concept closely maintains its Scottish roots, from the 9000 square foot castle-like clubhouse (complementary turret on the course) to the kilts worn by the golfers in front of us. (Or skorts, whatever.) Each shot on every hole gives you a perspective you haven’t yet seen on the course and neither side, front or back, pulls any punches. In fact the stiffest test unrolls like a carpet before you, looking down from the towering overlook that is the 18th tee. Yes, Ballantrae hits you with its best shot… last. Unless, that is, we’re also counting cooking. Then it could be argued that Ballantrae’s “best shot” comes from the talent in the Fireside Grill kitchen. Subjected to the pleasure of Corned Beef Reuben and Shrimp Po-Boy samples, we’re fortunate these culinary encounters took place at the turn or we may never have made the 1st tee. Now if only our play after lunch had maintained the quality of the course, and the food. After observing a consecutive streak of lip-outs from our group, “Wild Bill” drove up and reassured us. “Don’t worry… the holes are smaller on the back nine.” Funny guy. Despite that bit of fiction the fact remains… any great golf trail in Alabama should begin and/or end at Ballantrae.