According to the Detroit Free Press, the fire began in the clubhouse’s attic. It is believed the roof has collapsed. The club has e-mailed members to inform them everyone that was in the clubhouse got out safely.
Images from the current fire at Oakland Hills CC are chilling. Building dates back to 1922. Awful.
Video submitted from an individual on the ground: pic.twitter.com/UdiP8G0D7i
— Brendan Quinn (@BFQuinn) February 17, 2022
BREAKING: Oakland Hills Country Club clubhouse in Bloomfield Township catches on fire. More to come on @freep. pic.twitter.com/UAO8w6SSJm
— Detroit Free Press (@freep) February 17, 2022
Oakland Hills, established in 1916, boasts two courses designed by Donald Ross. It’s original head professional was 11-Major winner Walter Hagen. Its first big tournament was the 1922 Western Open, won by Mike Brady. Oakland Hills has since hosted six US Opens (only Oakmont and Baltusrol have hosted more), three PGA Championships, two US Amateurs, two US Senior Opens and the Ryder Cup, counting Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player among its champions. Oakland Hills is one of only four courses to host the US Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the US Amateur; the other three are Oak Hill, Scioto and Pinehurst No.2. The club is also scheduled to host the US Women’s Open in 2031 and 2042.
The South course recently finished a $US12 million restoration by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner in hopes of bringing another Major championship to the club. The South was recently ranked 21st on America’s 100 Greatest Courses list.
The clubhouse, completed in 1922, harbours memorabilia from many of Oakland Hills’ Majors, along with art and tributes to the state’s golf heritage. The club’s website notes, “The membership is proud of the heritage of their club and consider themselves stewards of a national golf treasure.”
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