Columbia’s Buick Scrambler Team: Johnny Fowler, Thomas Livote, Clem King, Matt Younginer, and Clay Morphis By Ellen Fortson

The 2004 Buick Scramble National Championship turned out to be an unforgettable experience for Columbia Country Club golf pro Clem King and his team of talented amateurs. Columbia Country Club members Johnny Fowler, Thomas Livote, Matt Younginer, Clay Morphis, and Clem King competed against a top–notch field of play at Orlando, Florida’s premium luxury golf courses this October to finish in 16th place.

Captain King’s team boasted a strong competitive performance the first two days of play at the Orange County National. Playing Crooked Cat and The Ritz Carlton challenging courses, the team players from Columbia, SC enjoyed the lead of the tournament. Out of 108 teams that qualified in sectionals to get to the national tournament, the sharp shooters held the lead at the scoreboard in the number one position, shooting a spectacular 13 under and 15 under par. “Thomas made a hole in one, which gave us two eagles in a row. We putted very well. We had plenty of momentum going that fed our confidence. Our birdies were there for the taking,” King said.

Sports fans wanted to know what happened to the lead. “Our putters went south. Our lead weakened to ninth place,” King replied. “The course played 7,000 yards and the pen placement was extremely challenging. As hard as the golf course played, it made our club selection off a bit. It was very frustrating not putting well. We had plenty of chances for birdies, but just couldn’t get them in the hole.”

King revealed that the last round yielded to a closely packed field. “Again, the putters weren’t working for us. We tied for 16, winning in a chip–off. We were 47 under and 54 under won it.”

King admits that the Buick Scramble Championship is one of his favorite tournaments. This was his second time with Columbia Country Club members since he has been in the finals. “It’s always a nice opportunity to play captain’s choice with the members. I knew this was a great team when we won low gross at 17 under at the sectional qualifier at Treyborn in Durham, North Carolina. The whole tournament from start to finish was an unforgettable experience.”

King has served as a PGA golf professional and general manager of the Columbia Country Club for six years. Before Columbia Country Club, King gathered golf experience as head pro at Wildwood Golf Club and Wood Creek Farms. He and his wife Susie live in The Woodlands area of Columbia with daughters, Kellie, Jessie, Kristin, and son C.J.