ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont Hills Country Club has a beautiful and challenging golf course, but it does not stop there. With the innovation brought to the table by new Club Manager Brad Kouski, the country club is trying some new things, and it has gone quite well so far.

“I’ve been here for seven months now,” said Kouski, who is a graduate of Wheeling Park High School and Bethany College. “I really enjoy it.”

Kouski stated that since beginning his position as club manager, he has tried to bring some new things to Belmont Hills, including making the club’s presence known to those who would not otherwise consider it for hosting their events, whatever those may be. What many people do not realize is that they do not have to be a member to utilize the facilities at Belmont Hills for their own events.

“One thing I want to let people know is that we are open to the public for events,” he said. “There’s no room fee; it’s free room rental. This is a beautiful place with a beautiful view. We can do baby showers, wedding receptions, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, (etc.). We can hold up to 250 guests, or even a party as small as 15 people. We have two new wedding packages to offer, and they’re very reasonable.”

Kouski stated that he encourages people to take the time and come out to see what Belmont Hills truly offers. Many people think that it’s beyond their budgets, but the prices are incredibly reasonable and accommodating, and the club offers both golfing and social memberships. Belmont Hills has prided itself on delicious food and a beautiful view since 1924.

Of course, Kouski and PGA Golf Pro Ron Baker will work with individuals to organize golf scrambles, including providing lunch and catering with whatever special menu options are requested. However, Kouski stated that the types of events booked at Belmont Hills go far beyond golf, and that the country club has many smaller rooms for business meetings and private parties as well.

“You don’t have to be a golfer to join a country club,” he said, “and a lot of times, it’s a nice thing for local business people. You can join and use it as a sales opportunity – bring your customers here and have luncheons, dinners, meetings and things of that sort.”

Belmont Hills has also updated their decor and made several changes in the way of food and catering as well, even providing their own catering service to local businesses. “Chef Gordon Pyles and his staff do an amazing job. They really put out good quality food,” Kouski said.

“We started a new menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We revamped it all,” Kouski said. “We also have a catering menu now, and we can do drop offs. That’s something I put together. We can do breakfast wraps, croissants, bagels, donuts, coffee – those sorts of things. For lunch, we have cold cut trays, brownies, macaroni salad, sandwiches, salads and soups. We’re also open to the public on Friday afternoons for lunch.”

Kouski has also brought much to Belmont Hills in the way of various entertainment for its members as well.

“They haven’t had music here in the past,” he said. “So I started bringing in bands and acoustic artists. We’re trying a lot of new things. We have pool parties and luaus. We’re having a Halloween buffet and dance party. We had a murder mystery dinner here not too long ago. We had a comedy night and a trivia night. We do a lot of stuff for the kids and in the way of family nights. This Thursday, we’re having a family tick-or-treat and bingo night. We’ll have activities for the kids and some prizes and that sort of thing. That’s one thing that’s really appealing to local families who have young kids; this is a place where they can spend their time and meet other kids and other families.”

The club has also recently offered paint-and-sips, a nine-and-wine (where people can come play nine holes, taste some wine and have some food), water aerobics in the summer and night golfing, which Kouski said people have really enjoyed. The club is also looking into offering ballroom dance classes and is currently booking for Christmas parties.

“I want people to know that the future looks good for Belmont Hills. We offer a lot that everyone can enjoy,” Kouski said.

Belmont Hill Country Club is located at 47080 National Rd. in St. Clairsville. For more information, please call (740) 695-2181.

Scott can be reached at jscott@timesleaderonline.com.