On Easter Sunday, Oakland Hills Country Club’s new clubhouse will have risen.
The new clubhouse, replacing the historic building destroyed in a devastating fire in early 2022, will be open for three seatings of an April 5 brunch for the membership of the storied Bloomfield Township club.
Oakland Hills officials made the announcement Wednesday, and released a picture of the completed clubhouse, which, with its white, 10-pillared veranda, is very much a replica of the old clubhouse in its aesthetics ― albeit with modern-day infrastructure and amenities.
Oakland Hills Country Club’s new clubhouse is shown in early 2026.
“This clubhouse reflects the membership’s deep pride in Oakland Hills, honoring our iconic history while boldly investing in a future worthy of it. It is a testament to the commitment of our members and ensures that Oakland Hills remains among the most distinguished and enduring private clubs in the world,” said Marc D. Ray, Oakland Hills’ general manager and COO. “These grounds, this membership, our staff, and the entire metro Detroit community are truly special. We could not do what we do without this incredible community and the many trusted partners who support us.
“We look forward to continuing the legacy of excellence Oakland Hills is known for by serving our members and their guests as we prepare to welcome the game’s greatest championships in the years ahead.”
The rebuild project came in on budget and ahead of schedule, the club said. The clubhouse project cost more than $100 million, paid in large part by an insurance payout, as well as through increased membership dues. Hundreds of members approved assessments of thousands of dollars each.
On Feb. 17, 2022, a fire ripped through the 100-year-old clubhouse ― which through the years has hosted countless dignitaries, from the game’s best golfers to presidents ― and led to a total loss of the building, though most of the prized artifacts were saved by quick-acting members, volunteers and firefighters.
The fire was caused by a propane torch being used by workers on a construction project of a patio, Bloomfield Township Fire Department officials determined.
After an extensive design and permit process, ground was broken on the new clubhouse in December 2023, with plans for a 110,000-square-foot replacement. The old clubhouse, built in 1922 and located behind the South Course’s 18th green and first and 10th tees, was about 90,000 square feet.
Oakland Hills’ hosted the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur without a permanent clubhouse. The new clubhouse arrives ahead of the next stream of major championships at the historic venue, with Oakland Hills poised to host the U.S. Open in 2034 and 2051 and the U.S. Women’s Open in 2031 and 2042. The private club also will host the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2029, the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur in 2038 and U.S. Amateur in 2047.
Oakland Hills has hosted six U.S. Opens (most recently in 1996), three PGA Championships (2008), two U.S. Amateurs (2016) and a Ryder Cup (2004). Champions on the storied South Course, dubbed “The Monster,” include the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan and Gary Player.
Construction continues on the new clubhouse of the Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township on March 26, 2025. The old clubhouse was destroyed by a 2022 fire.
The fire came less than a year after a $12-million restoration project to the South Course was completed. Famed architect Gil Hanse oversaw the project, with eyes on landing United States Golf Association championships that eventually were awarded in March 2022, weeks after the fire. USGA officials made the announcement at the Detroit Athletic Club.
“Walking the fairways of the South Course and seeing the clubhouse in the distance once again reminds us how special it is to have one of the finest amphitheaters for golf anywhere in the world,” said Steve Brady, PGA emeritus professional at Oakland Hills.
Oakland Hills will host an official grand-opening ceremony for its new clubhouse in coming weeks. Last summer, Oakland Hills opened its modernized practice range and new greens and grounds maintenance facility, and the club’s new golf shop will open later this month.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Oakland Hills announces $100M clubhouse opening date, 4 years after fire