The only suggestion I can really make would be to bet larger on the flop maybe 66%+ of the pot. It’s a strong bet and you can either entice a fold or know where you stand. Either way I still think you made the right fold.
With 4 clubs out there that should be an easy fold. Think about it like this. All he needs to beat you is 1/9 cards. there are only 45 cards left you dont see. and he has two cards. so the chances you are beat are at least 18/45. Do you really want to risk everything when the odds are that weak. Tough hand. Cut your losses and live to fight another hand