(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 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.
