(SYLVA, N.C.) – Balsam Mountain Preserve, a premier resort-style private residential community nestled high in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the charming mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville, received its first Platinum Award from the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM).
The award recognizes clubs and facilities for their superior skills and innovative approaches in the golf retail sector. Entries were judged on various categories including creative ideas, revenue-generating initiatives, promotions and visual displays. Clubs were given the opportunity to demonstrate their accomplishments in various domains including merchandising, marketing and management. The AGM Platinum Award also placed a significant emphasis on creative visual merchandising.
Balsam receiving this award for the first time was a personal goal for PGA/AGM Merchandiser and Assistant Golf Professional Allison Macke. Macke, who came to Balsam this past April from Quail Creek Country Club in Florida, has a robust background in visual merchandising, high-end apparel selection and strategic inventory planning. Macke’s passion lies in fostering elevated retail and creating memorable, personalized interactions for members. She is a proud member of the AGM, and she received AGM’s Platinum Award in 2025 while at Quail Creek.
“I have a creative eye for building inspiring displays using the high-end apparel we carry,” Macke says. “I’m rooted in starting with the perfect shirt on a mannequin and building the look from the middle outward, adding accessories to create a complete outfit that helps guests envision themselves wearing it. Being recognized for this award not only embodies visual appeal and strategic placements, but continues to push me to strive for excellence here at Balsam and as a professional.”
Balsam officials will be receiving the 2026 Platinum Award later this month at the AGM Annual Retail Conference in Orlando.
“We are thrilled the Association of Golf Merchandisers presented us with their Platinum Award for 2026,” says Gayle Starke, General Manager at Balsam Mountain Preserve. “Our staff is extremely proud of Allison for doing an incredible job of providing the top brands and merchandise in an attractive arrangement. We also commend Director of Golf Travis Wilson and Assistant Golf Professional Chad Lauze, whose support and leadership helped make this milestone possible.”
The AGM is an international, professional association of golf-related merchandisers and vendors. Members include golf professionals, buyers, merchandisers, students, club managers, owners and suppliers to the golf industry. Headquartered in Arizona, the AGM is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 1989 and governed by a 19-member volunteer Board of Directors.
For more information about Balsam Mountain Preserve, please visit www.balsammountainpreserve.com.
ABOUT BALSAM MOUNTAIN PRESERVE
Nestled between the charming mountain towns of Sylva and Waynesville, Balsam Mountain Preserve is one of America’s most unique and sought-after mountain communities. The 4,400-acre enclave located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains opened in 2004, anchored by a thrilling Arnold Palmer Signature Course that has been heralded as American’s best mountain course.
Balsam Mountain Preserve offers luxury living in an authentic mountain environment. Its diverse mix of real estate includes luxury estates, homesteads and village homes, as well as rustic-elegant cabin and cottage fractionals. Of the 4,400 acres, 3,200 acres are safeguardded in a permanent land trust to protect the natural mountain habitat and provide an expansive natural playground for residents and their families. Plans call for 354 homes to be created within the community, which rises to 5,400 feet and offers stunning mountain views. All residences adhere to the International Dark Sky Association guidelines for outdoor lighting, which fosters privacy and stargazing.
More than 40 miles of private hiking and equestrian trails provide symmetry between work, play, indulgence, health and wellness. The property’s elevation averages 3,500 feet above sea level, which promotes outdoor recreation in a cooler environment. In addition to the golf course, Balsam Mountain Preserve offers extensive equestrian facilities. Other community highlights include a noteworthy culinary program featuring the Summit House restaurant, Mine Tavern and Boarding House Marketplace, private campsites, a Nature Center, more than 40 miles of heritage trout streams that offer some of the best fly fishing in North America, historical gathering sites, Ruby Valley Fitness & Wellness Pavilion, spa treatments, tennis and pool facilities, and much more.