07/16/2026
Tavern 53 is proud to welcome Nick "Wilkes" Wilcox as our General Manager!
A native of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Nick "Wilkes" earned his degree in Sports Management & Marketing from Western Carolina University after helping lead his high school baseball team to a North Carolina State Championship. He went on to build a successful career in professional baseball with organizations including the Winston-Salem Dash, Greenville Drive, Asheville Tourists, Dayton Dragons, New York Yankees, and New York Mets, specializing in hospitality and food & beverage operations.
After the pandemic, Wilkes transitioned into the golf industry, beginning his PGA career at Oakwoods Country Club before quickly becoming General Manager at Smithfields Country Club, where he led renovations, grew membership by 28%, expanded tournaments, and improved club operations.
Now leading Pickens Golf Club, Wilkes is focused on enhancing golf, dining, tournaments, events, and the overall guest experience while continuing to grow Carolina Camp Cedar into a premier destination for golfers, travelers, Clemson football fans, and families. His goal is simple: create a welcoming club where every visit leaves guests excited to return.
