Oakland Hills Country Club - South
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Dubbed "The Monster" by Ben Hogan, Oakland Hills South is one of America's most storied championship venues. The Donald Ross design has hosted six U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, and the 2004 Ryder Cup. A Gil Hanse restoration in 2021 returned the course to Ross's original vision.
History & Heritage
Oakland Hills South Course was designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1918 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Robert Trent Jones Sr. toughened it before the 1951 U.S. Open, where Ben Hogan won and famously declared he had brought "the Monster" to its knees — a nickname that stuck permanently.
The course has hosted six U.S. Opens (most recently 1996), three PGA Championships, the 2004 Ryder Cup, and the 2025 U.S. Senior Open — 17 major championships overall. In 2019-2021, Gil Hanse led a landmark $12.1 million restoration, removing 137 trees and restoring Ross\'s original strategic vision by reopening green entrances and restoring bunkers.
The Hanse restoration is considered one of the most significant in modern American golf architecture.
Signature Holes
Historically the most famous hole — Gary Player called his 9-iron approach here the best shot of his career during the 1972 PGA Championship. Part of the demanding 16-17-18 closing stretch that remains Ross\'s original design.
Post-Hanse restoration, the par-3 7th has emerged as potentially the new signature hole with dramatic restored bunkering and reopened sightlines.
What to Expect
A classic parkland championship course with elevated, tilting Ross greens, deep bunkers, and demanding approach angles. The Hanse restoration opened up ground-game options lost under decades of tree growth and RTJ Sr.\'s modifications — the course now plays firmer and faster, closer to Ross\'s original strategic intent.
Wider fairways and removed trees give more room off the tee, but green complexes are more exposed and challenging than ever.
Strictly private — one of the most prestigious clubs in American golf.
Playing Tips
Approach shot precision is everything. Ross\'s green complexes reward specific angles and severely punish misses to the wrong side.
Post-restoration, the wider fairways are more forgiving off the tee, but don\'t be lulled — the green complexes are more exposed and demanding.
Course management and knowledge of green contours are essential. Ask your host about preferred approach angles.
Highlights
- ✓ Six-time U.S. Open host
- ✓ 2004 Ryder Cup venue
- ✓ Gil Hanse 2021 restoration of Donald Ross design
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called The Monster?
How many major championships has it hosted?
What was the Hanse restoration?
Explore This Destination
Stay in the Loop
Get weekly rankings updates, destination guides, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.