Oakland Hills Country Club will welcome members to its rebuilt clubhouse on Easter Sunday, four years after the original structure was lost to a devastating fire. // Photo courtesy of Oakland Hills
Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township will welcome members to its rebuilt clubhouse on Easter Sunday (April 5), four years after the original structure was lost to a devastating fire.
Construction of the new clubhouse was the central component of the club’s “Next 100 Project,” which broke ground in December of 2023. The project will be completed on schedule and on budget ahead of the coming Michigan golf season.
Last summer, Oakland Hills opened its modernized practice range and a new greens and grounds facility to support its two 18-hole top-ranked golf courses.
The private club’s new golf shop will debut later this month, followed by the clubhouse welcoming members on Easter, when more than 1,600 are expected for brunch. The following week will feature a soft opening for members, culminating in a grand opening celebration.
The new clubhouse was designed to be among the world’s finest in both finish and function. Architectural details throughout the building, inside and out, evoke elements of Howard C. Crane’s original design.
Standing tall once again is the white, 10-pillared veranda, just steps from the No. 1 and No. 10 tee boxes of the historic South Course, which will continue to host numerous USGA championships in the decades ahead.
“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,” says Steve Brady, PGA emeritus professional of Oakland Hills.
The club’s 110-year legacy and championship history are on display throughout the new two-story building, which includes member locker rooms, dining areas, lounges, and a grand ballroom, all offering views of the iconic South Course.
“This clubhouse reflects the membership’s deep pride in Oakland Hills, honoring our iconic history while boldly investing in a future worthy of it,” says Marc D. Ray, general manager and COO of Oakland Hills. “It’s 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.”
Club President Michael Costello says, “While championship golf has defined Oakland Hills on the world stage, the true spirit of the club has always been found in the families, friendships, and traditions shared here. Our new clubhouse ensures that sense of community will endure for generations to come.”
The new clubhouse will serve as a classic backdrop for seven United States Golf Association future championships over the next 25 years.
To read DBusiness stories on the Oakland Hills fire and its road to replace the historic structure, visit here and here.