ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
The South Course is nicknamed 'The Monster' after Ben Hogan's description following his 1951 U.S. Open win, and it has hosted more than 16 major championships.
About
Oakland Hills Country Club (South) is a legendary championship venue in Michigan, originally designed by Donald Ross and later updated by Robert Trent Jones Sr. Known as 'The Monster,' the course has hosted six U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, and the 2004 Ryder Cup. It features tree-lined fairways, challenging bunkering, and fast Bentgrass greens, delivering a world-class golf experience.
Caddie Tip
Prioritize finding fairways off the tee, as rough can be thick and penal. Approaches must factor in subtly elevated greens that run exceptionally fast and true. Play your approach shots below the hole whenever possible—misses long or above the pin can quickly lead to three-putts or worse.
The Main Challenge
Oakland Hills (South) is renowned for its demanding greens, penalizing rough, and strategically placed bunkers. Its reputation as 'The Monster' stems from fast, sloping greens, narrow fairways, and the mental challenge of holding a score together under championship conditions.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise Oakland Hills (South) for its major championship pedigree, historic atmosphere, and demanding yet beautifully maintained layout. The course’s strategic challenge, especially around the green complexes, delivers a thrilling and memorable experience that stands out even among top golf venues.
The Not So Good
Some players mention that the course’s difficulty can be punishing for higher handicaps, with penal rough and challenging green speeds making it tough for less experienced or shorter hitters. Accessibility is another gripe—it’s strictly private, with very few guest opportunities.
Signature Hole:
#
16
The par 4 16th, a famously testing hole at Oakland Hills (South), plays uphill with a demanding approach to a well-bunkered, sloping green. Its challenge is magnified during tournaments, and the narrow landing area rewards only the most accurate drives, making it a pivotal hole late in the round.
Clubhouse
The club’s newly rebuilt clubhouse (reopening 2026) will feature grand dining rooms, private event spaces, expanded locker rooms, and member lounges. High-end services, attentive staff, and elegant surroundings create a refined, comfortable environment both on and off the course.
Practice Facilities
Extensive practice facilities with a large driving range, dedicated short-game area, and tour-level putting greens provide ample opportunity to warm up or train. Members enjoy all-weather hitting bays and meticulous maintenance that mirrors the main course standards.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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