A tragic scene is unfolding on Thursday morning in Bloomfield Township, Michigan where the legendary Oakland Hills Country Club is engulfed in flames. Built back in 1922, the entire structure appears to be on fire and it does not appear as though there will be much left when it’s finally out.
Thankfully, it sounds as though no one was hurt.
There’s no word yet on what caused the fire, but golf fans around the country are devastated by the loss of the iconic building. Oakland Hills Country Club has hosted some of the biggest golf events in U.S. history, including six U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, and the 2004 Ryder Cup.
Understandably, the reactions coming out from golfers, golf fans, and locals alike have been of sadness and mourning.
106-year-old club has hosted 6 U.S. Opens, 3 PGA Championships and the 2004 Ryder Cup. Sad scene. https://t.co/7jx0E9aQEZ
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) February 17, 2022
People will says it’s just a building. But this stuff means a lot to golf lovers, especially those in Michigan. Can’t imagine the history being lost right now. Truly sad. https://t.co/fjJ5apzUrN
— Brandon Champion: Low Ego, High Output (@BrandonthaChamp) February 17, 2022
“It’s hard to talk when you’re crying,” said longtime Oakland Hills member Greg Kampe.
We’ll have to wait and see what ended up causing the fire in the first place and what the eventual damage will be. Hopefully, it’s confirmed that no one was hurt in the fire. Eventually, we can presume that the country club will figure out what to do about rebuilding or starting over. But you can expect a lot of people to come out in support of the historic grounds in the days to come.