In 1954, a group of like-minded men in Picayune decided to establish a golf course for the enthusiasts in Pearl River County.
The original members of Millbrook Country Club were Fred McDonald, Sr., C. Hooker Quicker, Miles Roper, Paul Garner, Emory Hodgson, Jr., T.L. Crosby and O.N. Stevenson, Millbrook’s general manager Cecil Watkins said.
“There was not a golf course in this area at that time,” Watkins said. “Most golfers traveled to Bogalusa, La. to play. There were many other people involved in the creation of the golf course, including L.O. Crosby, Jr.”
The course opened with nine holes on August 19, 1954 and the first tournament was held on December 30 of that same year, Watkins said.
Since then, the golf course has grown to 6,584 yards, which includes 18 holes and a country club, Watkins said. Millbrook’s Board of Directors includes president Todd Larsen, secretary and treasurer Dickie Travis and vice chairman Bill Blackwood.
Millbrook offers memberships ranging from full family to junior, Watkins said.
Monthly dues for a family membership are $100 and for singles under 35, the cost is $100, which includes sharing a cart with another single, Watkins said. Single members older than 35 pay $100 a month. There are family and single golf cart plans, which range in price from $69 to $90.
The yearly price for the practice range is $150 for singles, $175 for couples and families pay $200 a year, Watkins said. There is also a handicap fee, which is based on the par.
There are special rates for members living more than 25 miles away, Watkins said. Out of town members pay $139 plus share a cart. Louisiana residents can pay $120 plus cart per month.
“We encourage members of our military to come out and play for $20 a day,” Watkins said. “During the three months of high school golf season, the club provides course access for Picayune Memorial and Pearl River Central High School’s golf teams to practice.”
During the summer months, Millbrook hosts youth camps, which cost $125 per student, Watkins said.
Monday through Thursday, non-members can play 18 holes for $40 a day with cart rental and $20 for nine holes, Watkins said. On Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays, the price is $45 for 18 holes.
On Monday and Thursday, Millbrook offers an all day special of $25, which includes cart, Watkins said. During the summer months, after 12 p.m., the twilight special costs $25.
There is a pro-shop on the grounds and provides members with access to equipment and accessories from all major manufacturers, Watkins said. The shop regularly stocks balls, hats and tees.
On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, hungry golfers can take advantage of the club’s restaurant, which serves sandwiches and light meals, Watkins said. During the summer months, the swimming pool is open to members and their guests.
During the winter months, the club employs about 14 people but about 20 people work there during the summer months, Watkins said.
“Golf is not only exercise, it employs patience, concentration and builds skills,” Watkins said. “It’s a social game. You can meet other members and people of all ages. I give lessons to people from 15 to 75-years-old. Millbrook is centrally located, only about 35 miles from New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and Hattiesburg. The club provides everything people need for an enjoyable round of golf.”
The club is open during the summer months from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and during the winter from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Millbrook Country Club is located at 600 Country Club Road.
Contact club staff at 601-798-8711. For more information, visit the website at www.millbrookcountryclub.com and follow on Facebook at Millbrook Golf and Country Club.