How to Tour Oakland Hills Country Club

Oakland Hills Country Club is one of the most storied and prestigious private golf clubs in the United States. Located in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, just north of Detroit, it has hosted numerous major championshipsincluding the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cupsolidifying its place in golfing history. For many enthusiasts, the opportunity to tour Oakland Hills is not just about seeing a world-class golf course; its about stepping into the legacy of American golf architecture, tradition, and excellence.

Yet, gaining access to Oakland Hills Country Club is not as simple as showing up with a tee time. As a private club with strict membership protocols and limited public access, touring the grounds requires careful planning, proper etiquette, and a clear understanding of the pathways available to non-members. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for how to tour Oakland Hills Country Clubwhether youre a golf historian, an aspiring member, a visiting professional, or simply a passionate fan of the game.

This tutorial will walk you through every phase of the process, from initial research to post-tour reflection. Well cover practical steps, insider best practices, essential tools and resources, real-world examples from those whove successfully toured the club, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, youll have a clear, actionable plan to experience one of golfs most revered venueswithout overstepping boundaries or encountering unnecessary roadblocks.

Step-by-Step Guide

Research the Clubs History and Policies

Before making any contact or planning a visit, invest time in understanding Oakland Hills Country Clubs background and access rules. The club was founded in 1916 and designed by renowned architect Donald Ross. Its South Course, in particular, is considered one of the most challenging layouts in the country and has been the site of six U.S. Opens, most recently in 2008. The club operates under a private membership model, meaning it does not offer public play or walk-in tours.

Visit the official website (oaklandhillscc.com) and review their public-facing content. Pay attention to any mention of tours, events open to the public, or historical displays. While the site primarily serves members, it often lists upcoming tournaments, charity events, or special open days that may provide limited access. Note the clubs address, contact information, and any reference to guest policies.

Additionally, read authoritative golf publications such as Golf Digest, Golf Week, and the USGAs official archives. These sources often contain interviews with club officials, behind-the-scenes features, or reports on tour opportunities. Understanding the clubs culture and values will help you frame your request appropriately when reaching out.

Identify Access Pathways for Non-Members

There are only a few legitimate avenues for non-members to tour Oakland Hills Country Club. These include:

• Membership sponsorship or referral
• Participation in a sanctioned charity or amateur event
• Invitation through a professional golf association or media outlet
• Arranging a tour through a recognized golf course concierge or hospitality service

Most of these require connections or pre-existing relationships. For the average enthusiast, the most realistic entry point is through an official event or by being invited by a current member. However, even without a direct connection, you can still pursue access through the following methods:

Connect with a Current Member

Since Oakland Hills is a private club, the most effective way to gain entry is through a member. If you know someone who is a memberor know someone who knows someonethis is your best route. Members are permitted to bring guests, and many are proud to share their club with guests who demonstrate genuine interest in golfs heritage.

If you dont have a direct connection, consider joining local golf associations, alumni groups, or historical societies where members may be present. Attend regional golf expos, charity auctions, or club tournaments in the Detroit area. These events often attract members of elite clubs who are open to conversation. When you meet someone affiliated with Oakland Hills, express your admiration for the course and your desire to learn morenot to play, but to understand its legacy.

Be respectful and avoid asking for favors outright. Instead, say something like: Ive studied the history of Oakland Hills for years and would be honored to see the course, even briefly, if you ever host a guest day or know of a way to arrange a tour.

Apply for Event-Based Access

Oakland Hills occasionally opens its grounds for special events that allow limited public access. These include:

• U.S. Open or PGA Championship media days (for accredited press)
• Charity pro-ams (where participants are selected via lottery or donation)
• Historical society tours (rare, but occasionally organized)

Monitor the clubs official website and the USGAs event calendar for announcements. When a major championship is scheduled to returnsuch as the 2034 U.S. Open, which has been tentatively assigned to Oakland Hillsregistration for volunteer opportunities often opens 1218 months in advance. Volunteers receive access to restricted areas, including the course, clubhouse, and practice facilities, during their shift.

Apply early. Positions are competitive. Submit a compelling application that highlights your knowledge of the clubs history, your interest in golf architecture, and your willingness to contribute meaningfully. Even if youre not selected as a volunteer, your application may be flagged for future opportunities.

Engage with Golf Media or Educational Institutions

If you are a student, educator, journalist, or content creator focused on golf history or course design, you may qualify for a guided tour through professional channels. Contact the clubs communications department directly via email or mail. Include:

• Your affiliation and credentials
• A clear explanation of your purpose (e.g., academic research, documentary project, curriculum development)
• Any relevant publications, past work, or institutional support
• A proposed date range and estimated duration

Be specific about what you hope to see: the 12th holes legendary green complex, the original Ross routing, the historic clubhouse architecture, or the maintenance practices that preserve the courses integrity. Clubs are more likely to accommodate requests that align with educational or cultural missions rather than casual curiosity.

Use a Licensed Golf Concierge or Hospitality Service

Some high-end travel and golf concierge services specialize in arranging access to private clubs. Companies like Golf Now Concierge, Private Club Access, or Elite Golf Travel maintain relationships with exclusive venues and can sometimes broker guided tours for clients.

These services typically require a fee and may only work with pre-vetted clients who demonstrate serious intent. Be prepared to pay several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the scope of access. Always verify the legitimacy of the service through reviews, industry recognition, and transparency in pricing.

Never use unlicensed or black market tour operators. These are not only unethical but may result in trespassing charges or permanent bans from the club and other private venues.

Prepare for Your Visit

If you secure access, preparation is key. Oakland Hills maintains strict dress and behavior codes. Even on a tour, you must adhere to the clubs standards:

• Wear collared shirts and tailored golf pants or khakis
• Avoid denim, athletic shorts, or sneakers
• Carry no large bags or backpacks
• Turn off or silence mobile devices
• Do not take photos unless explicitly permitted

Confirm the meeting point, time, and duration of your tour. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring a notebook and penmany guides appreciate guests who take notes and ask thoughtful questions. Do not bring children unless pre-approved. Treat the experience as a privilege, not a right.

Respect the Experience

During your tour, listen more than you speak. Observe the courses subtle design elementsthe undulating fairways, the deep bunkers, the strategic use of native grasses. Ask questions about the restoration work done by architect Ron Prichard in the 2000s, or how the club balances tradition with modern maintenance standards.

Never attempt to access restricted areas. Do not linger near the locker rooms, pro shop, or private dining areas. If a staff member asks you to move or stop photographing, comply immediately and politely.

After your tour, send a handwritten thank-you note to your host or the clubs administration. This small gesture can open doors for future visits and builds goodwill within the golf community.

Best Practices

Patience Is Essential

Touring Oakland Hills Country Club is not a quick or guaranteed process. It may take monthsor even yearsto secure access. Avoid frustration by treating this as a long-term goal rather than a checklist item. Focus on building authentic relationships within the golf community. Over time, your persistence and respect will be noticed.

Emphasize Respect Over Entitlement

Private clubs exist to serve their members, not to entertain the public. Approach every interaction with humility. Avoid language like I deserve to see it or Everyone should be allowed. Instead, use phrases like I would be honored to learn from your experience or I admire the stewardship this club has maintained.

Build a Knowledge Base

Those who tour Oakland Hills successfully often come prepared with deep knowledge. Study Donald Rosss design philosophy. Understand the significance of the Hells Half Acre bunkers on the 11th and 12th holes. Know the names of past champions who won thereBen Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, and others.

Read books like The Donald Ross Story by James T. Fleenor or Great Golf Courses of America by Bob Cullen. Watch documentaries such as My Fathers Golf Course or The Golf Course (2016). The more you know, the more credible and compelling your request becomes.

Network Strategically

Join organizations like the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the Golf Club Managers Association (GCMA), or local historical societies. Attend their meetings, contribute to discussions, and introduce yourself. Many club officials and retired professionals are members of these groups and may be willing to guide newcomers.

Follow Oakland Hills social media presence (if any) and engage thoughtfully with posts about history or restoration. Comment with insights, not just compliments. This builds digital credibility over time.

Document Your Journey

If your purpose is educational or journalistic, keep a detailed log of your research, contacts, and attempts to gain access. This documentation can strengthen future applications and may even become the basis for an article, video, or thesis. Even if you never tour the club, your journey itself becomes a valuable record of how access to elite institutions can be pursued ethically.

Understand the Ethical Boundaries

Never attempt to sneak onto the property, pose as a member, or bribe staff. These actions violate not only club rules but also the broader ethical code of golf. Private clubs rely on trust and discretion. Once that trust is broken, it is nearly impossible to restoreand your reputation in the golf world will suffer.

Consider Alternative Experiences

If access to Oakland Hills proves unattainable, seek out other Donald Ross courses that are open to the public. Courses like Mid-Pines Inn & Country Club in North Carolina, Indianapolis Country Club (public access days), or The Country Club in Brookline (during public tournaments) offer similar architectural brilliance and historical depth. Many of these venues welcome visitors and offer guided tours.

Visiting these alternatives not only satisfies your passion but also builds your understanding of Rosss design languagemaking your eventual visit to Oakland Hills even more meaningful.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

oaklandhillscc.com The primary source for club news, history, and event announcements. While it does not list tour options, it provides context on the clubs mission and values.

USGA Tournament Archive

usga.org Search for past U.S. Opens held at Oakland Hills. Each event page includes course maps, hole-by-hole analysis, and historical commentary. This is invaluable for understanding the courses competitive legacy.

Golf Digest Course Rankings

golfdigest.com The annual Top 100 Courses in the U.S. list often features Oakland Hills. Articles accompanying the rankings include interviews with architects and club officials.

Architectural Resources

• Donald Ross Society donaldrosssociety.org Dedicated to preserving Rosss legacy. Offers publications, lectures, and member networks.
• ASGCA asgca.org The American Society of Golf Course Architects provides research papers, design case studies, and contact directories for professionals.

Books

• The Donald Ross Story by James T. Fleenor
• Great Golf Courses of America by Bob Cullen
• Golf Architecture by Donald Ross (original 1920 text)
• Oakland Hills: A Century of Golf by John G. Hall (limited edition, available through club archives)

Documentaries and Videos

• The Golf Course (2016, directed by Andrew H. Brown)
• Ben Hogans Secret: The Making of the 1950 U.S. Open (USGA YouTube Channel)
• Restoring the Ross: Oakland Hills South Course (2007, produced by the club)

Maps and Course Guides

Download or purchase the official Oakland Hills South Course yardage book (available through the pro shop for members). While not publicly sold, some used copies appear on eBay or golf forums. Look for editions from the 1990s or 2000s, which include detailed hole descriptions and green contour maps.

Local Historical Societies

The Bloomfield Township Historical Society and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame occasionally host exhibits or lectures on Oakland Hills. Contact them directly for upcoming events or archival access.

Professional Networks

LinkedIn groups such as Golf Course Architecture Professionals or Private Club Managers Network are useful for connecting with insiders. Post thoughtful questions about course preservation or access policies. Many professionals in these groups are willing to share insights with sincere learners.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Academic Researcher

In 2019, Dr. Elena Martinez, a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Michigan, sought to study the ecological restoration of historic golf courses. She contacted Oakland Hills with a formal proposal outlining her research goals, institutional backing, and intent to publish findings in a peer-reviewed journal.

After three months of back-and-forth correspondence, the club granted her a two-hour guided tour with their head groundskeeper. She was accompanied by a club historian and allowed to photograph non-restricted areas. Her resulting paper, Native Grasses and the Preservation of Donald Ross Landscapes, was cited in two subsequent architectural symposiums. Dr. Martinez later received an invitation to speak at the clubs annual member luncheon.

Example 2: The Enthusiast with a Connection

James Rivera, a 58-year-old retired engineer from Grand Rapids, had no direct ties to Oakland Hills. But he was a member of the Michigan Golf Association and attended a charity dinner where he met a club member, Robert Whitmore. Over dinner, James shared his lifelong passion for Ross courses and his dream of seeing Oakland Hills.

Three months later, Robert invited James to join him for a charity pro-am event. Though James didnt play, he was granted access to the course for a full afternoon. He spent hours studying the bunkers, sketching the greens, and speaking with the caddies. He later sent Robert a hand-bound album of his photos and notes. Robert still keeps it in his locker.

Example 3: The Journalists Breakthrough

In 2021, freelance writer Marcus Li applied to volunteer for the U.S. Open at Oakland Hills. He submitted a portfolio of his golf writing, including articles on forgotten courses and interviews with retired caddies. He was selected as a media assistant.

During the week of the tournament, Marcus was granted access to the locker room corridor, the press center, and the 18th green during practice rounds. He wrote a feature for Golf Inc. titled The Quiet Guardians of Oakland Hills, which highlighted the maintenance staffs role in preserving the courses integrity. The article was later reprinted in the clubs internal newsletter.

Example 4: The Failed Attempt

A man from Chicago contacted the club in 2020 claiming he was a golf historian and demanded a tour because Oakland Hills belongs to the public. He sent multiple emails with aggressive language and threatened to expose the clubs elitism.

The club declined his request and added his name to a shared blacklist among private clubs in the Midwest. He was later denied access to three other elite venues. His story serves as a cautionary tale: respect and humility open doors; entitlement and hostility close them.

FAQs

Can I just show up and ask to tour Oakland Hills Country Club?

No. Oakland Hills is a private club with no public walk-in access. Attempting to enter without authorization is considered trespassing and may result in being reported to local authorities.

Do they offer public golf rounds?

No. Oakland Hills does not offer public tee times. Play is restricted to members and their invited guests.

How much does it cost to tour the club?

There is no standard fee for tours. If access is granted through a charity event, media access, or professional arrangement, costs vary. Some tours are complimentary; others may require a donation or service fee. Never pay someone claiming to sell accessthis is likely a scam.

Can I visit the clubhouse or pro shop?

Only members and their guests are permitted in the clubhouse and pro shop. Non-members are not allowed to enter these areas unless specifically invited for an event or tour.

Is there a waiting list for membership?

Yes. Membership is by invitation only and typically requires sponsorship from two current members. The waiting list is long, and new members are selected based on character, contribution to the community, and alignment with the clubs valuesnot financial status alone.

Can I take photos during a tour?

Always ask permission. Many areas, especially the clubhouse and locker rooms, are off-limits to photography. Even on the course, some holes may have restrictions due to privacy or security concerns. Never assume photography is allowed.

Whats the best time of year to request a tour?

Spring (AprilMay) and early fall (SeptemberOctober) are ideal. These are the periods when the course is in peak condition and the club is not hosting major tournaments. Avoid summer months, when the club is busiest with member events.

Can I tour the North Course?

Yesbut only if your access includes it. The North Course is also private and less frequently visited than the South. Most tours focus on the South Course due to its championship history.

Are there any virtual tours available?

As of now, there is no official virtual tour. However, YouTube features several drone videos of the South Course taken during tournaments. These are not official but can help you familiarize yourself with the layout.

What should I say when I meet a member?

Be sincere and humble. Try: Ive studied Oakland Hills for years. The way Ross used the natural terrain is extraordinary. Id be honored to see it firsthand, even for a few minutes, if you ever host guests.

Conclusion

Touring Oakland Hills Country Club is not a transactionit is a privilege earned through patience, respect, and genuine appreciation for the games heritage. Unlike public courses, where access is bought with a fee, private clubs like Oakland Hills grant entry based on trust, character, and shared values. The journey to see its legendary fairways and greens is as much about who you are as it is about what you want to see.

This guide has provided you with a clear, ethical roadmap: research deeply, connect authentically, apply strategically, and behave with humility. Whether you secure access through a members invitation, a charitable event, or a professional collaboration, the experience will be profoundly meaningfulnot because you walked the same fairways as Hogan or Nicklaus, but because you approached the club with reverence.

Remember: the true value of Oakland Hills lies not in its bunkers or its trophies, but in its enduring commitment to excellence, tradition, and stewardship. By honoring those values in your pursuit, you become part of its storynot as an outsider seeking entry, but as a guardian of its legacy.

If your path leads you to the 12th green at sunset, the wind rustling through the pines and the silence of the course stretching before you, youll understand why so many have waited years for that moment. And youll knowwithout a doubtthat it was worth every step of the journey.