Restoration NewsMedia

Wilson Country Club to be sold




Shareholders have agreed to sell the Wilson Country Club to the McConnell Golf Group. The deal is set to close May 31. Drew C. Wilson | Times

Wilson Country Club shareholders voted Tuesday to move ahead with plans to sell the 108-year-old club to the McConnell Golf Group.

Wilson Country Club President Michael Sargent confirmed Friday that the deal will close on May 31.



At Tuesday’s meeting, Sargent said he’d never seen more shareholders at the Wilson Country Club in the 20 years he’s been a member.

“A large number of shareholders were present or (voted) by proxy,” Sargent said. “When the votes were tallied, the results were overwhelmingly in favor of the proposed asset purchase agreement.”

The McConnell Golf Group has 15 golf properties in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

“McConnell Golf Group is purchasing all assets and properties, which includes golf course, club facilities, clubhouse, pool and tennis complex and all common areas,” said Isaac Davis, general manager at Wilson Country Club.

The sale price wasn’t disclosed, but that information will become public after the sale.

Sargent said negotiations began in February.

Club members will still be able to hold events at the clubhouse, which has been the site of many gatherings over the years.

“The club will remain a private club. We anticipate that member-sponsored events will continue,” Davis said.

The club has about 400 members.

Sargent said the club’s status as a private club won’t change.

Davis said all employees will be retained after the sale.

“History shows that the properties of the McConnell Golf Group cater to families and increased activities,” Sargent said.

The pending sale involves a roughly 160-acre complex.

“It is anticipated that McConnell Golf Group will be providing the resources, products and services to Wilson Country Club that, in turn, will have a positive affect on the community and Wilson,” Davis said.

The Wilson Country Club was started in May 1915 at what’s now known as the Willow Springs Country Club. The Wilson Country Club moved to its present site in 1973.

“There are not a whole lot of private country clubs in our demographic nationwide that have survived since 2008,” Sargent said. “I am very proud that we have made it through the last 15 years and survived, and that is due to our loyal members. Wilson Country Club has been a vital part of Wilson as a community and will continue to be a vital part of this community.”