PINE TWP, Mercer County — When Jack Cline says that Grove City Country Club’s golf course is in his back yard, he means it.

“Our property is just off the fairway for No. 3,” he said. “We’ve lived there for 15 years.”

Cline grew up in Grove City and estimates that he has golfed the course 3,500 times.

“I often golf in tournaments held at other courses in the region,” he said, “but it’s always good to come back home. There are old home movies of me hitting golf balls on the course here when I was just three years old.”

Cline graduated from Grove City High School in 1977 and has been a member of the country club since 1984. He is now in his second year as the club’s president.

“The highest our membership has ever been was 307,” he said. “When the economy took a turn for the worse in 2009, our numbers dipped to below 200, but we are now at 247. So, we have bounced back nicely.

“We’ve been able to maintain ourselves as a private club,” added Cline. “A big reason for that is because we continue to upgrade our clubhouse and the golf course.”

The biggest renovation the course has ever seen was when a second nine holes were added in 1995-96. These additions now comprise the No. 8 through 16 holes on the current course.

“We had always owned the property for the second nine,” explained Cline. “For many years, we leased it out to a farmer, but we began construction in the spring of 1995. The second nine was completed in August 1996 and Paul Azinger was the first to tee off after it became an 18-hole course. He said he also wanted to fish in the lake and I believe he did.”

The course, which includes four water holes and measures 6,380 yards from the white tees, appeals to golfers of all skill levels.

“We had a U.S. Open local qualifier held here May 14th,” Cline said. “There were a lot of professionals playing and the best score was 1-under par. At the same time, seniors can enjoy playing here. In that respect, it’s a challenging, but fair course.

“People who golf here for the first time love it,” added Cline. “It’s a fairly level course and there’s not many blind holes. My favorite hole is No. 18 (a 532-yard par 5 that skirts the lake) because with both your drive and approach shot, you have to make a decision on whether to gamble or play it safe. Anything can happen and a lot of matches come down to that hole.”

Several trees on the club’s grounds are 200 years old and have been armed with lightning rods for protection. A staff of 10 people keep the course “very well manicured,” according to Cline.

The history of the golf course dates to the early 20th century.

From 1903-17, the land was owned by the Barmore Lake Association. Included on the grounds were areas for skating and boating as well as a four-hole golf course.

“The next five holes were added in the early 1920s, which was after it became the Grove City Country Club,” said Cline.

The current clubhouse was constructed in the 1950s, followed by the additions to the course itself 40 years later.

All the while, the club’s membership has lent its support in different capacities.

“A lot of our members have helped with the construction when it was needed,” Cline said. “They’ve contributed their time and money.

“I would describe our members as very successful people who have used their ability and energy to perpetuate the club.”

For more information, visit www.grovecitycountryclub.com.