A devastating fire has swept through the clubhouse at a suburban Detroit golf course that is one of the United States’ most exclusive clubs and the site of many professional tournaments.
Flames ripped through the roof at the sprawling, multi-story clubhouse at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township. It was built in 1922 and is adorned with irreplaceable golf tournament memorabilia and art.
Members were stunned.
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“There’s so much history, so much wonder here,” Rebecca Robinson told WDIV-TV.
Greg Kampe, men’s basketball coach at Oakland University, told The Detroit News: “It’s hard to talk when you’re crying.”
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire wasn’t immediately known.
Fire officials said the clubhouse was one of the largest wood structures in Michigan.
The club opened in 1916 and has hosted many major golf events, including the 2008 PGA Championship won by Padraig Harrington. In 2004, Team Europe, led by Bernhard Langer, defeated Team USA, led by Hal Sutton, in the Ryder Cup. Tiger Woods played for the Americans. It has previously hosted six US Opens and three PGA Championships.
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“Our thoughts are with our friends at Oakland Hills. … We will support the club wherever possible in this rebuilding process,” said John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer at the United States Golf Association.
The club has two golf courses designed by Donald Ross. The South Course reopened last summer following a $16.84 million (AUD) restoration, with a goal to bring major championships back to Oakland Hills.
The club will host the US Women’s Open in 2031 and 2042.