Written By: Greg Johnson

CLIO – A member-owned private club with a unique history, Clio Country Club, will host the 23rd Michigan Net Amateur Championship presented by Michigan Golf Live.

A field of 78 male golfers with USGA/GAM Handicap Indexes of 20.4 or better square off over 36 holes of net stroke play Monday and Tuesday to determine a state net champion.

Clio CC’s unique history is one of both member fundraising for development of the club and hands-on work by the members on the golf course. When it was constructed in 1961 and 62 for an opening in 1963, part of the construction work was completed by members, including members who donated the use of heavy equipment, and much of the finishing work of removing rocks and raking before seeding was performed by members as well.

The result from a design by architect Fred Ellis was a traditional parkland style course with classic lines and a reputation as well-maintained, challenging, fair and fun. It plays to 6,820 yards maximum yards and offers six tee options, including two hybrid yardage setups.

Alex Kleckner is the head golf professional, and Mark Wildeman is the superintendent. Learn more at cliocountryclub.com.

In last year’s Michigan Net Amateur Championship, which was played at Tanglewood Golf Club in South Lyon, Andrew Lang of Grosse Ile, a Golf Galaxy club refinisher, salesman and fitter, won his second consecutive title. It took a three-hole aggregate net score playoff battle with Dennis Guerriero of Lexington, S.C., a summer GAM member.

Lang is returning to defend his title and is among several past champions who are in the field.