The 77th Annual Cloquet Invitational Golf Tournament will take place later this week and into the weekend at the Cloquet Country Club. With eight former champions in the field this year the tournament should provide some exciting golf for local golf fans.
"We are honored to host the best players in the area during the Invitational," said Bill Manahan, Cloquet Country Club golf pro and general manager.
Spectators are welcome, and the final round will be broadcast on WKLK radio, according to Manahan.
The defending champion is Scott Anderson of Duluth who plays out of Northland Country Club.
"The 2007 field had 139 players and over the past few years the field has been increasing," mentioned Manahan. "This season we are pleased to see the number in the same ball park as last year with fuel and the economy being what it is."
ADVERTISEMENT
The course suffered some minor damage over the winter with snow mold in some of the fairways, but it now appears to be in nearly perfect condition for the big event.
"The greens wintered well," explained Manahan. "The cool spring did not encourage much growth initially, but from about mid-June to now the course has really made some huge strides and it is currently in great shape. I think the players will enjoy [it] this weekend."
With the revenue generated by the event, the Cloquet Invitational is important to the community as well as the Cloquet Country Club.
"It brings additional dollars to the Cloquet area through lodging, retail spending and entertainment spending," suggested Manahan. "Financially for the club it is the largest revenue producer we generate each season, but more importantly is the tradition the Invitational has established. We are now seeing multiple generations of players creating a legacy of playing this event. There are not many events with the number 77 in front of their title."
According to Manahan, the final days of the Invitational have drawn hundreds of fans in the past and he expects the same again this year. Great viewing areas for spectators are outside the club house toward the No. 2 hole and the finishing hole.
"I think one of the best parts of living in this area as a golfer is that each course has established their own traditions and they've created events that [bring] distinct character to their facility," Manahan remarked. "The players are kind enough to support all of our tournaments and all the other events at other courses in the area. I give them a great deal of respect for taking the time, effort and money to keep all these events strong."
