The clubhouse of Oakland Hills C.C., site of over a dozen major championships, was engulfed in flames Thursday morning.
Multiple camera crews caught firefighters battling a blaze at the historic site in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. According to Michigan’s ABC affiliate WXYZ the fire is believed to have started around 10 a.m., while a spokesperson from the Bloomfield Township Fire Department told FOX 2 that every single firefighter from the department is on the scene. Multiple videos show the fire spreading throughout the building.
According to the Detroit Free Press, the fire began in the clubhouse’s attic. It is believed the roof has collapsed.
Oakland Hills, established in 1916, boasts two courses designed by Donald Ross. It’s first big tournament was the 1922 Western Open, won by Mike Brady. Oakland Hills has since hosted six U.S. Opens (only Oakmont and Baltusrol have hosted more U.S. Opens), three PGA Championships, two U.S. Amateurs, two U.S. Senior Opens and the Ryder Cup, counting Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player among its champs. Oakland Hills is one of only four courses to host the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and the U.S. Amateur; the other three are Oak Hill, Scioto, and Pinehurst No. 2. The club is also scheduled to host the U.S. Women’s Open in 2031 and 2042.
The south course recently finished a $12 million restoration by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner in hopes of bringing another major championship to the club. The south was recently ranked No. 21 on America’s 100 Greatest Courses list.
The clubhouse, completed in 1922, harbors memorabilia from many of Oakland Hills’ majors, along with art and tributes to the state’s golf heritage.
This story is developing.