Area golfers are getting ready to tee up for a weekend of golf at Circlestone Golf Club in Adel as they compete in the annual two-day Wilson B. Wilkes Tournament from May 20-21.

The tournament is held every year in honor of the Circlestone founder, the late Wilson B. “Flicker” Wilkes. The first tournament was held following his death several years after he purchased the property in 1961.

Prior to his purchasing it, the property was known as Young’s Mill Pond and it was operated as a family farm and gristmill by the Castleberry family until the late 1950’s. It was converted over the years into what is now an 18-hole golf course, pro shop, pool and restaurant, located halfway between Nashville and Adel on Highway 76.

“When Flicker Wilkes first bought the property, Buck Daughtrey brought harrows and tractors and shaped the first nine holes,” said longtime member, Buddy Warren of Adel. “Then Flick started calling everybody he knew to sign up for membership at Circlestone Country Club.”

Warren still has his certificate of membership signed by Wilkes and Daughtrey in 1962.

“Private membership for the nine-hole course back then was $9 per month with a $250 initiation fee and no one could play who was not a member unless they were accompanied by a member,” Warren added.

“There was a little green single-story farmhouse located where the pro shop and parking lot are now,” said Warren, who has spent many years of his life enjoying and supporting Circlestone. “The old gristmill was set up over the dam, and for a long time, was used as the club’s cart shack.

“Jimmy Allen, who served as the club pro at Circlestone from 1962-65, and his wife, Quay Threatte Allen of Lakeland, ran the course and the pro shop together while attending college. Allen has the distinct honor of holding the club record of 65 and of breaking that round by firing a tremendous 9-under round of 63 in 1965.”

After a devastating fire destroyed the restaurant and clubhouse in 1988, members built a new restaurant and also added nine additional holes to the course called “The Rock,” in honor of longtime club member Bill Roquemore. “Mr. Roquemore’s son, Rocky, designed the back nine in honor of his father,” said John Scarboro, who along with Forrest Caldwell, purchased Circlestone Country Club in the early 2000’s and renamed at this time as Circlestone Golf Club.

The facility opened to the public with individual and family memberships available, which included use of the restaurant, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

Circlestone Golf Club recently underwent more changes when Caldwell sold out his share of the property, which included the Gristmill Restaurant, to Quentin McMillan. McMillan worked on the grounds of a golf course in Charlotte, North Carolina, in his youth and says he has always wanted to return to his roots and retire at the golf course.

McMillan, who, along with his wife, Patti, and their family, reside in one of the homes built on the course at Circlestone. When Scarboro heard they were interested in becoming a partner, he welcomed them with open arms.

“Both Quentin and Patti have been a wonderful asset to Circlestone,” said Scarboro, who described efforts undertaken by him and McMillan to improve the club and restaurant.

The restaurant underwent a complete renovation and was renamed The 19th Hole at Circlestone, featuring a game room for kids as well as multiple TVs for the sports enthusiast. Now under the management of former Cadillac Ranch Restaurant owner, Cyndi Watson of Nashville, and previous Circlestone chef, Bob DeCesare, the 19th Hole menu includes steak and seafood, along with many other delicious appetizers and entrees and a Sunday buffet. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

As construction of a new golf cart shed reaches the final stages and work is done on the course greens, Scarboro and McMillan encourage area golfers to come enjoy a round of golf. Today, members and their guests, along with the public, enjoy the changes at Circlestone.

“My whole family now eats at the restaurant several times a week,” said Warren. “Both John and Quentin are working hard on the course and are making good decisions which benefit those who play golf and dine here.”

The club still enjoys a healthy membership and the restaurant is also a popular venue for dining, weddings, receptions, reunions and other occasions.

Patti McMillan has also began working with other members and guests at Circlestone to plan fun activities for the whole family.

“We have several fun events for golfers such Glowball Tournaments quarterly, a yearly members only Mini-Masters (complete with a Green Jacket!), scrambles every Thursday evening at 6 p.m., and a Ladies Scramble every Tuesday at 6 p.m.,” she said. “All women, including those who want to learn to play or those who already have established handicaps, are welcome to participate.”

As always, Circlestone will host a summer golf camp for kids.

This year’s Wilson B. Wilkes kicks off with the annual Calcutta event on May 19 at The 19th Hole with golf beginning early morning May 20-21.

Contact Travis Lane, Golf Pro, at 229-896-3893 for more information. Residents of Berrien, Cook, Lanier County and other counties are encouraged to learn more about Circlestone and The 19th Hole by checking out their Facebook for weekly events and happenings.