The original Wawonowin Country Club was an association of local professional and business men formed in the late 1890’s. The club leased land from the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company, east of the City of Ishpeming, on which was built a clubhouse and nine holes. In the early 1960’s the club was informed by the mining company that the course was located on caving ground and would have to be moved.
AS a result of this notice, the members formed a new corporation in 1965 to build and own what is now Wawonowin Country Club, Inc. The Inland Steel Company sold 160 acres to the club for one dollar. The Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company purchased the old club house for $50,000. Each charter member purchased one share of stock for $100 and paid $100 initiation fee resulting in an additional $40,000. With these funds the members, with the help of a few contractors and considerable amount of donated equipment, built nine holes and a clubhouse. The new clubhouse opened on 1967. In 1977 the back nine was completed.
The clubhouse is currently semi-private and promotes golf in the community by supporting high school golf teams, student memberships and golf lessons for junior golfers. The club also sponsors three tournaments annually and hosts the UPGA men’s and women’s tournaments when requested.