Bloomfield Town – Firefighters on Thursday worked to put out a massive fire that devastated the club at Oakland Hills Country Club, a historic golf facility that has hosted major golf tournaments and is positioned to host the major tournaments of the next decade.
The extent of the damage was not immediately known, but a large fire engulfed most of the 110,000-square-foot club. The fire was reported mid-morning, and by the afternoon, it appeared to be contained.
There were no injuries, with a club official emailing members that “everyone is out fine”.
Members said there had been recent construction on the club’s courtyard.
The fire broke out Thursday morning, and dispatching quickly called for a greater firefighting response.
The club is located on the south side of Maple between Telegraph and Lahser. The Bloomfield Township Police Department said the road was closed and urged motorists to look for an alternative route.
Reaction to the fire It spreads quickly through social media.
Longtime Oakland Hills member Greg Campy summed it up: “It’s hard to talk when you’re crying.”
Oakland County Executive David Coulter said he was grateful that no one was hurt.
“The devastating fire at the historic Oakland Hills Country Club today is a tragic loss for the 100-year-old home of golf greats from Sam Snead and Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer to Chi Chi Rodriguez and Tiger Woods,” Coulter said on Twitter Thursday, adding that he hopes for a “speedy recovery.” and rebuilding.”
The rest of the golfers began sending condolences.
“Today, the Michigan Golf Association is saddened by the news of the club fire at the Oakland Hills Country Club,” said Chris Whitten, CEO and president of the Michigan Golf Association. “Auckland Hills is one of the original 14 clubs that founded the Greater Amman Municipality in 1919, so our relationship and history are important. The club is a true supporter of the game at all levels, both professional and amateur.
“The iconic club in itself is a treasure and contains some of the most important golf memorabilia anywhere in the world from historic championships and legendary competitors.
“Golfers everywhere, especially in Michigan, are sending our best wishes to Oakland Hills for a quick and important recovery.”
Oakland Hills Country Club has a long history
Oakland Hills, which contains 36 holes including the most famous south course, opened in 1916, with the first showing of the current club opening in 1922. There have been major renovations to the lavish white club over the years, including most- Recently, in 1999, at a cost of $ 16.25 million.
It has hosted six times in the United States, three PGA Championships and the Ryder Cup.
The club’s south stadium recently underwent a major restoration, at a cost of more than $12 million, with the hopes of winning major trophies in the future. The restoration partially removed dozens of trees, allowing golfers to view the club from almost any point on the golf course.
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The multi-story club features a professional shop, dining halls, locker rooms, and many other amenities for a membership of about 750. Many members hang out there throughout the winter, and it was a popular venue for weddings and receptions.
The club is also a museum, of sorts, displaying photos and trophies from tournaments over the years. As you walk through the main doors of the club, you are greeted by a trophy case, which displays replica trophies from tournaments won by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Ben Hogan.
club Recently awarded Two women’s US Opens opened, in 2031 and 2042. It also remains on the US Golf Association’s shortlist to be awarded the US Open again, for the first time since 1996.
It last hosted a professional major in 2008, with the PGA Championship. Hosted by American Amateurs in 2016.
South Oakland Hills was ranked 31st in Golf.com’s recent list of the 100 best golf courses in the country.
Club member costs include upwards of $8,400 per year in fees and dues, and there is a minimum food and beverage fee of up to another $1,000 per year, according to membership documents. An initiation fee of $72,000 is due in some cases.
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