Oakland Hills CC Clubhouse Engulfed in Massive Fire
A raging fire Thursday morning destroyed a large part of the clubhouse at famed Oakland Hills Country Club near Detroit.
Firefighters from Bloomfield Township and Southfield fire departments were called around 10 a.m. and local reports say every firefighter from Bloomfield Township was on the scene battling the blaze.
"At this point, the core of this building right in front of us, is almost a total loss,” John LeRoy, Bloomfield Township Fire Chief, told reporters shortly after 1 p.m.. "What you see here is the entire center of the building has sustained extensive damage. And right now the two end wings of the building, we’re trying to stop it from extending into those ends of the building.
"The clubhouse, the restaurant, all of the offices, the kitchen. All of those facilities are directly in the center of the building."
The clubhouse, which was completed in 1922, housed irreplaceable memorabilia of national championships at Oakland Hills and artwork, some of which goes back a century. Initial reports are that those items are likely to be destroyed as will the central part of the clubhouse.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown. There were no injuries, with a club official emailing members that "everyone got out OK," according to the Detroit News.
“This is a gut-wrenching day for Oakland Hills," said club president Rick Palmer. "While we know that no one from the membership or staff was hurt, we have lost our iconic clubhouse, that housed our history and our place in Michigan and U.S. and international golf. Oakland Hills is tremendously grateful to firefighters who were diligent in helping save some of our priceless pieces of memorabilia.
"It hurts to see this, but we are comforted to know that the heart and soul and legacy of the club resides in our membership and staff. Only time will tell what is next, but we will move forward with a purpose to honor all those who made this grand building come to life with their golf and their work.”
Oakland Hills was founded in 1916 by two Ford executives and members built two courses — the older South Course and the North Course, both designed by Donald Ross. Walter Hagen was the club’s first professional.
Oakland Hills has hosted 14 majors and other USGA championships, including six U.S. Opens, two U.S. Senior Opens, a U.S. Women’s Amateur, two U.S. Amateurs and three PGA Championships. Oakland Hills also hosted the 2004 Ryder Cup.
The USGA announced last month that the South Course is scheduled to host the U.S. Women's Open in 2031 and 2042, the first championships to be awarded to the club since architect Gil Hanse completed the $12.1 million restoration project.
"Our thoughts are with our friends at Oakland Hills," John Bodenhamer, chief championships officer for the USGA, which has hosted 10 majors at Oakland Hills, said in a statement to the Detroit News. "We have been in touch with their staff, and most importantly, are relieved to hear that no one was injured.
"Along with so many others in the golf community, we have special memories at this storied venue and look forward to making more in the coming years. We will support the club wherever possible in this rebuilding process."
Before the fire, Oakland Hills' clubhouse stood as one golf's many grand, classic structures. Here it is below.
Oakland Hills CC Clubhouse.
Larry Lambrecht
"My first thought is the history of the club," said Andy North, who won his 1985 U.S. Open at Oakland Hills. "Buildings can be rebuilt but you can’t rebuild the memorabilia that they might have lost. That building is a huge part of our golf history with the displays of the champions and the championships they’ve had. They will rebuild a great new clubhouse, but they can’t rebuild all those things they’ve lost. It’s unbelievable.”