Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By BECKY J. BEALL | Community Columnist

Pelham

As folks began to proceed outside of their homes, albeit with caution, many are searching for safe activities that keep adequate social distancing in check. One such opportunity is playing golf, and this city has a couple of options for both the occasional golfer and the more serious player.

Ballantrae Golf Club

Located just four miles off Interstate 65 in Pelham, Ballantrae Golf Club is a semi-private golf club with tee times available five days in advance. Ballantrae Golf Club was designed by Bob Cupp and is a links-style course winding through a gorgeous, scenic valley with southern woodlands and stunning views. The course offers 18 challenging, championship holes with a virtual tour of each available online. Be sure to present your license with current (Pelham) address or water bill for the Pelham resident rate valid Monday-Friday, and note that afternoon rates are available after 12 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

Currently the course has experienced a phased re-opening with the most recent guidelines, including opening of the restaurants and retail parts of the club, effective May 16. Following this time, the Golf Shop and clubhouse restrooms will be limited to eight people in the area at one time and the Fireside Grill dining area will serve with half capacity seating (a maximum of 30 people can sit in the dining area at once). It is recommended that customers wear protective masks and gloves when inside the clubhouse.

If you have other questions, call the golf shop at 205-620-4653.

The Oaks Golf Course at Oak Mountain State Park

Affordable golf is available at Oak Mountain’s Golf Course, The Oaks, where folks will find a public, 18-hole championship, par 72 course designed by Earl Stone. Often rated by Golf Digest among the top 50-75 public courses in the country, players enjoy the natural setting (complete with wildlife), with Bermuda greens and tees, a driving range, chipping green and practice green open year-round.

Book tee times five days in advance as they are not accepted on the same day you wish to play (but walk-ons are welcome). Look for a fully-stocked pro shop and an on-site restaurant—The Grille. The pro shop also rents clubs for $25. Afternoon specials start at noon Monday-Friday (note that holidays are never included in any special rates) for $34 including 18 holes plus cart. Football specials are typically available on fall Saturdays; check the website for more details.

For more information, please contact The Oaks at 205-620-2522.

Keep a safe social distance plus gain some great exercise now that Pelham golf is in full swing.