How to Tour Oakland Hills Golf Course

Oakland Hills Golf Course, located in Bloomfield Township, Michigan, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and challenging private golf clubs in the United States. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross and opened in 1918, it has hosted five U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and numerous other elite tournaments. While primarily a private club, the opportunity to tour Oakland Hills whether for inspiration, education, or personal appreciation offers golf enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the architecture, history, and tradition that define championship-level golf. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to tour Oakland Hills Golf Course, including logistical preparation, etiquette, recommended routes, and insider tips to maximize your experience. Whether youre a seasoned golfer, an architecture buff, or simply curious about one of Americas most revered courses, this tutorial will equip you with everything you need to plan and execute a meaningful visit.

Step-by-Step Guide

Research the Course History and Layout

Before setting foot on the grounds of Oakland Hills, invest time in understanding its legacy. The course spans 7,543 yards from the back tees and features undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and famously fast, undulating greens all hallmarks of Donald Rosss design philosophy. Study the official hole-by-hole layout available through the clubs website or reputable golf publications like Golf Digest and the USGA archives. Pay special attention to signature holes such as the par-3 12th, known as The Pit, and the long par-4 18th, which demands precision off the tee and a well-placed approach to a green guarded by three deep bunkers. Understanding the strategic intent behind each hole enhances your observational skills during the tour and helps you appreciate the nuances of the courses design.

Confirm Access and Tour Availability

Oakland Hills is a private club, meaning public access is extremely limited. Unlike public courses, you cannot simply show up and walk the grounds. Tours are typically offered by invitation, through affiliated golf organizations, or as part of special events. The most reliable way to secure a tour is to contact the club directly via their official website and inquire about scheduled public tours or member-hosted events. Some golf academies, architectural societies (such as the Donald Ross Society), and PGA-affiliated groups occasionally arrange exclusive access for members. If youre a member of a reciprocal club, check with your home clubs membership coordinator they may have connections to Oakland Hills. Be prepared to provide your golfing background and intent for the visit; the club prioritizes those with a genuine interest in course architecture or competitive golf history.

Plan Your Visit Timing

The best times to tour Oakland Hills are during the spring (AprilMay) and early fall (SeptemberOctober), when weather is mild, the turf is in peak condition, and the course is less likely to be hosting tournaments or member events. Avoid summer weekends and major championship weeks the course is closed to visitors during these periods. Aim for weekday mornings, ideally between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., when staff are most available and the course is quiet. Early visits also allow you to observe the morning maintenance routines such as green rolling and bunker raking which are integral to understanding how championship conditions are maintained.

Coordinate with a Guide or Host

While self-guided tours are rare, the club occasionally permits escorted walks led by a staff member or a knowledgeable member. If youve been granted access, confirm whether a guide will accompany you. A professional caddie or course superintendent can offer invaluable context pointing out subtle undulations in the fairways, explaining the evolution of bunker placement over decades, or describing how wind patterns affect play on specific holes. If no official guide is available, ask if you can shadow a member during their round. Many longtime members are passionate about the courses history and are happy to share insights, provided you maintain a respectful distance and do not interfere with play.

Prepare Your Gear and Attire

Even if youre not playing, Oakland Hills enforces a strict dress code. Business casual attire is required: collared shirts, tailored shorts or slacks, and soft-spiked or spikeless golf shoes. Avoid denim, tank tops, or athletic wear. Bring a small notebook and pen many of the courses design elements are best appreciated through observation and annotation. A rangefinder or GPS device is not necessary unless youre permitted to play, but a high-quality camera with a telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture architectural details from a distance without disrupting play. Pack water, sunscreen, and a light jacket Michigan weather can shift quickly, even in summer.

Begin Your Tour at the Clubhouse

Start your visit at the historic clubhouse, built in 1927 and featuring original oak paneling, vintage photographs, and trophy cases displaying U.S. Open and PGA Championship memorabilia. Take time to study the original Ross blueprints on display they reveal how the course was meticulously routed to follow the natural topography of the glacial landscape. Observe the placement of the pro shop, locker rooms, and dining areas each was designed to serve the flow of members and guests without disrupting the golfing experience. Many visitors overlook the significance of the clubhouses position relative to the first and 18th holes; its central location allows for seamless transitions between the front and back nines.

Walk the Front Nine with Intention

Begin your walking tour on the front nine, starting with the par-4 1st hole. Note how the fairway slopes gently from right to left, encouraging a fade off the tee. The second hole, a par-5, features a dogleg right with a strategically placed fairway bunker that forces a decision: lay up short or risk the long carry. Watch for the subtle ridge on the green that can cause putts to break unexpectedly. As you proceed, observe the use of natural elevation changes Ross rarely moved earth unnecessarily. The 4th hole, a short par-4, is a masterclass in risk-reward design: a narrow landing area guarded by trees on the left and a steep drop-off on the right. The 5th holes green is perched above the fairway, requiring a precise uphill approach. Take note of how the bunkers are positioned not to punish errant shots, but to guide players toward the optimal line.

Experience the Back Nines Championship Challenges

The back nine at Oakland Hills is where the courses reputation as a stern test is solidified. The 10th hole is a long par-4 with a treacherous green that slopes from back to front any shot landing short will roll back into the fairway. The 12th hole, The Pit, is a short par-3 played over a deep, pot bunker to a green surrounded by mounding. The bunker is not merely decorative its a psychological barrier that affects club selection and shot execution. The 14th hole features a double-tiered green, a Ross trademark, where the pin position dramatically alters the difficulty. The 16th is a par-5 with a narrow fairway and a green protected by water and bunkers a hole that has decided multiple U.S. Opens. Finally, the 18th demands a long, accurate drive over a valley, followed by a precise second shot to a green that slopes away from the player. Each hole on the back nine was designed to test every aspect of a players game: distance control, accuracy, imagination, and nerve.

Observe Course Maintenance and Turf Conditions

As you walk, pay attention to the turf quality. Oakland Hills uses a blend of bentgrass and poa annua on its greens, maintained to USGA specifications. Look for the consistent grain direction it affects putting speed and break. Notice how the fairways are cut in alternating patterns to reduce wear and enhance drainage. The rough is intentionally thick and penal, but not unkempt its managed to challenge players without becoming unplayable. Watch for the placement of sprinkler heads and drainage channels theyre hidden to preserve the courses aesthetic but are critical to its functionality. If youre lucky, you may see the grounds crew performing early morning aeration or topdressing these are essential practices that keep the course in championship condition year after year.

Document Your Observations

As you tour, take notes on design elements that stand out: the shape of bunkers, the contouring of greens, the use of native vegetation as a boundary, and the strategic placement of trees. Sketch rough diagrams of key holes if youre artistically inclined. These observations will deepen your understanding of course architecture and serve as reference material for future visits or discussions. Many golf architects and historians keep journals of course tours your notes could become the foundation of a personal project, blog, or even a published article.

Conclude with a Reflection

End your tour by returning to the clubhouse or a quiet bench overlooking the 18th green. Reflect on what youve seen: how Ross used natural landforms rather than forced features, how the course evolves with the seasons, and how its difficulty is rooted in strategy, not just length. Consider how modern golf course design has evolved or in some cases, regressed in comparison. This reflective pause transforms a simple walk into a meaningful educational experience.

Best Practices

Respect Privacy and Quiet

Oakland Hills is a sanctuary for serious golfers. Even if youre on an authorized tour, maintain a low profile. Avoid loud conversations, phone calls, or photography during active play. Always yield to players on the course if a group is approaching, step aside and remain silent until theyve passed. Never stand on the putting green unless explicitly permitted. Remember: you are a guest in a space designed for concentration and tradition.

Follow the Dress Code Strictly

There are no exceptions to the dress code. Even on cooler days, shorts must be tailored, and shirts must have collars. Wearing inappropriate attire will result in denial of access. When in doubt, overdress slightly its better to be slightly formal than to risk being turned away.

Arrive Early and Be Punctual

Arriving late not only disrupts scheduled tours but reflects poorly on your professionalism. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time to complete any check-in procedures and familiarize yourself with the grounds. Punctuality demonstrates respect for the clubs staff and members.

Do Not Touch or Interfere with Course Elements

Never step into bunkers unless instructed, avoid touching the flags, and never move or adjust any course markings. Even seemingly minor actions like adjusting a tee or picking up a stray leaf on the green can alter the playing conditions for others. Leave everything exactly as you found it.

Engage Thoughtfully with Staff and Members

If youre granted the opportunity to speak with a caddie, groundskeeper, or member, ask open-ended questions: Whats your favorite feature of this course? or How has the course changed since the last renovation? Avoid generic questions like Is this the hardest course youve played? Instead, show curiosity about design intent and historical context. Most people at Oakland Hills are proud of their course and eager to share their knowledge with respectful visitors.

Limit Photography

Photography is often permitted, but only from designated areas and without flash. Avoid taking photos of members or staff without permission. Focus on architecture: bunkers, greens, tee boxes, and the natural landscape. If youre unsure, ask before taking a picture. Many of the courses most iconic views are protected by copyright or club policy.

Do Not Attempt to Play Without Authorization

Even if youre an accomplished golfer, never attempt to play a round at Oakland Hills without explicit permission. The club does not allow casual play, and attempting to do so will result in immediate removal and possible blacklisting from future access.

Leave No Trace

Carry out everything you bring in. Do not litter, even with biodegradable items like fruit peels. The club maintains a pristine environment, and your contribution to that standard is essential.

Follow the Tour Route

If youre on a guided tour, stick to the designated path. Deviating from the route can lead to trespassing on restricted areas, such as maintenance sheds, irrigation control rooms, or private member zones. These areas are off-limits for safety and operational reasons.

Express Gratitude

Before departing, thank the staff or host who facilitated your visit. A handwritten note or email expressing appreciation goes a long way in building goodwill and may open doors for future access. At a club like Oakland Hills, relationships matter as much as credentials.

Tools and Resources

Official Oakland Hills Website

The clubs official website (oaklandhills.com) is the primary source for tour availability, historical archives, and contact information. While it does not list public tour dates, it provides context on the clubs mission, history, and past tournaments. Bookmark this site and check it regularly access opportunities are often announced with little notice.

Donald Ross Society

The Donald Ross Society (donaldrosssociety.org) is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Rosss legacy. Membership grants access to exclusive tours, research papers, and symposiums that occasionally include Oakland Hills. Even non-members can access their online library, which contains original Ross plans and commentary on the course.

USGA Archives

The United States Golf Association maintains a digital archive of past U.S. Opens hosted at Oakland Hills (1924, 1937, 1951, 1961, 1985). These include hole-by-hole scoring data, player interviews, and course setup reports. These documents reveal how the course was modified for each championship invaluable for understanding its strategic evolution.

Golf Course Architecture Books

Key texts to enhance your understanding include: - The Lost Courses of Donald Ross by John Strawn details Rosss design philosophy and includes Oakland Hills as a case study. - Golf Course Architecture by Alister MacKenzie offers comparative analysis of Rosss work. - The Anatomy of a Golf Course by Ron Whitten includes aerial diagrams and strategic breakdowns of Oakland Hills.

Google Earth and Aerial Imagery

Use Google Earths historical imagery feature to compare the courses layout from the 1950s to today. Youll notice subtle changes in tree placement, bunker reconstruction, and green expansion. This visual timeline reveals how the course has been preserved while adapting to modern equipment and player expectations.

YouTube and Video Tours

Search for Oakland Hills Golf Course drone tour or Oakland Hills U.S. Open highlights. While not a substitute for an in-person visit, these videos provide perspective on scale, elevation changes, and green contours that are difficult to appreciate from ground level. Channels like Golf Digest and PGA Tour offer high-quality footage.

Local Golf Libraries

Libraries in the Detroit metro area, such as the Birmingham Public Library and the University of Michigans Bentley Historical Library, house regional golf archives. These include newspaper clippings, membership rosters, and photographs from the 1920s1950s that document the courses early days.

Mobile Apps for Course Analysis

Apps like 18Birdies and The Grint offer detailed yardage maps and green contours for public courses though not for Oakland Hills, they can help you practice analyzing green shapes and slope gradients. Use them to train your eye for reading terrain before your visit.

Local Golf Professionals

Reach out to PGA professionals at nearby public courses in Metro Detroit. Many have connections to Oakland Hills through tournaments or clinics. They may be able to provide insider tips or even facilitate introductions.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Architectural Student

In 2019, a graduate student in landscape architecture from the University of Michigan secured a tour through the Donald Ross Society. She spent four hours walking the course with a retired course superintendent, taking hand-drawn sketches of the 14th greens double-tiered structure. Her final thesis, The Psychology of Undulation: Donald Rosss Green Design at Oakland Hills, was later published in the Journal of Golf Architecture. Her success came from meticulous preparation, respectful engagement, and a clear articulation of her academic goals.

Example 2: The Retired Professional

A former PGA Tour caddie, now living in Michigan, arranged a private walk through Oakland Hills by reconnecting with a former employer who was a club member. He focused on the evolution of the 18th holes fairway bunker which had been relocated twice since the 1961 U.S. Open. He documented the changes in a blog series titled Bunkers That Changed History, which gained a following among golf architecture enthusiasts. His insight came from decades of experience and a passion for historical accuracy.

Example 3: The International Visitor

A golf historian from Scotland visited Oakland Hills as part of a 12-course American tour. He contacted the club six months in advance, providing his credentials and itinerary. He was granted a morning tour with the head greenskeeper and spent two hours examining the drainage system beneath the 7th green a system that remains largely unchanged since 1920. He later wrote a feature for World Golf magazine, highlighting how American courses preserved engineering integrity better than many modern designs.

Example 4: The Local Enthusiast

A retired schoolteacher from Bloomfield Township, who had never played the course, requested a tour after reading a local newspaper article about its history. She was granted a one-hour walk with a volunteer docent and came back every month for a decade, each time learning something new. Her collection of photos and notes became the basis for a community exhibit at the local library. Her story proves that curiosity, not skill, is the true gateway to appreciating a place like Oakland Hills.

FAQs

Can the general public tour Oakland Hills Golf Course?

Public access to Oakland Hills is extremely limited. The club is private and does not offer regular public tours. Access is typically granted through affiliated organizations, reciprocal club arrangements, or special events. Inquiries must be made directly to the club, and approval is not guaranteed.

Do I need to be a member to tour the course?

No, membership is not required, but it significantly increases your chances of gaining access. Non-members can be invited by current members or granted access through professional golf societies, academic institutions, or historical organizations.

How far in advance should I request a tour?

Its recommended to submit tour requests at least 36 months in advance. The clubs schedule fills quickly, especially during peak seasons and around major tournaments.

Can I bring a camera on the tour?

Yes, photography is generally permitted from public areas, but flash and tripod use are restricted. Always ask for permission before photographing people or specific structures. Avoid taking photos during active play.

Is there a fee to tour Oakland Hills?

There is no standard fee for authorized tours, but donations to the clubs preservation fund are often encouraged. Some special tours organized by external groups may include a nominal administrative cost.

What should I wear on a tour of Oakland Hills?

Business casual attire is required: collared shirts, tailored shorts or slacks, and soft-spiked or spikeless golf shoes. Denim, athletic wear, and open-toed shoes are prohibited.

Can I walk the course on my own if Im not playing?

No. Unauthorized access to the grounds is strictly prohibited. Even if the course appears quiet, trespassing can result in removal and legal consequences.

Are there guided tours available during U.S. Open years?

During U.S. Open weeks, the course is closed to all visitors except media and tournament personnel. However, the club often hosts public exhibitions or historical displays in the days leading up to the event check their calendar for these opportunities.

How long does a typical tour last?

Most tours last between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the depth of the itinerary. A full walking tour of all 18 holes typically takes at least two hours.

Can I bring children on a tour?

Children under 16 are rarely permitted unless accompanied by a parent who is a club member or authorized guest. The environment is quiet and formal, and the club prioritizes a distraction-free experience for all visitors.

Is the course accessible for individuals with mobility challenges?

Oakland Hills is not fully ADA-compliant due to its historic design and natural terrain. Some areas are accessible via cart paths, but many holes involve steep inclines and uneven ground. Contact the club in advance to discuss accommodations.

Whats the best time of year to visit Oakland Hills?

Spring (AprilMay) and early fall (SeptemberOctober) offer the best weather and course conditions. Summer months are hot and humid, and winter months are closed for maintenance.

Can I request a tour if Im not a golfer?

Yes. Many visitors are not golfers but are interested in architecture, history, or landscape design. Clearly articulate your interest in your inquiry the club values intellectual curiosity as much as golfing expertise.

Conclusion

Touring Oakland Hills Golf Course is not merely a walk through a renowned golf course it is an immersion into the artistry, discipline, and enduring legacy of American golf architecture. From the subtle contours of its greens to the strategic placement of its bunkers, every element reflects the genius of Donald Ross and the commitment of generations of custodians who have preserved his vision. This guide has provided you with the roadmap to navigate the logistical, ethical, and educational dimensions of such a visit. Success lies not in simply seeing the course, but in understanding it its history, its design, and the quiet dedication behind its maintenance. Whether youre a student of architecture, a historian of sport, or simply a lover of beauty in motion, Oakland Hills offers a rare and profound experience. Approach it with humility, prepare with diligence, and leave with reverence. The course does not need your praise but it will reward your attention with a deeper appreciation for what golf, at its finest, can be.