The clubhouse at Oakland Hill Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, just outside Detroit, burned to the ground Thursday.
Several departments responded after the fire broke out around 10 a.m. in the clubhouse attic. The clubhouse, which was completed in 1922, was adorned with irreplaceable golf tournament memorabilia and art going back a century.
The club has hosted to 14 golf majors or USGA championships, including six U.S. Opens, two U.S. Senior Opens, a U.S. Women’s Amateur, two U.S. Men’s Amateurs and three PGA Championships, including the 90th PGA Championship in 2008. The club has also hosted the 1922 Western Open, the 1964 Carling World Open, and the 35th Ryder Cup, in 2004.
“This is a gut-wrenching day for Oakland Hills. 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.”
From architect Gil Hanse:
“This is a truly sad day for the history of American golf. Our thoughts are with all of our friends at Oakland Hills.”
From Andy North:
“My first thought is the history of the club. 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.”
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
The Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on fire on Thursday, February 17, 2022.…
The Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on fire on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
News: Oakland Hills Country Club Fire
Firefighters put out a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday,…
Firefighters put out a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Ryan Garza-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February…
Firefighters battle a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Eric Seals-USA TODAY NETWORK)
Oakland Hills Country Club fire
Firefighters put out a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday,…
Firefighters put out a fire at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. (Photo: Ryan Garza-USA TODAY NETWORK)