Founded in 1899 the Detroit Golf Club boasts a rich history. It started small with just six holes and a membership limited to 100. Imagine those early days. The Detroit Golf Club was the brainchild of William R Farrand and his friends. They rented a small plot of farmland. The club quickly expanded. Three more holes were added in 1900. Membership grew to 200 by 1902. More land was acquired. An 18-hole course was developed.
The Detroit Golf Club’s transformation continued. In 1913 additional property was purchased. The legendary Donald Ross surveyed the land. He saw potential for two 18-hole courses. Horace Rackham a generous benefactor invested $100000 in the ambitious project. The construction of the 36-hole course was a major undertaking. The renowned architect Albert Kahn designed the magnificent clubhouse. Construction began in 1916 and was finally completed in 1918.
Donald Ross’s brother Alec became the club professional. He held that position for an impressive 31 years. The Detroit Golf Club continued to thrive. Membership increased to 650 in 1922. The club remained open year-round. A new caddy house was built in 1929. It cost approximately $40000. World War II brought challenges. Gas rationing limited club activities. Alec Ross retired in 1945. The legendary Horton Smith a two-time Masters winner took over. He was inducted into the Professional Golfers Association Hall of Fame in 1959.
The Detroit Golf Club didn’t stop evolving. New amenities were added. These included tennis courts a cart garage and a crystal dining room. The club even has a pool and a swim team. Today the Detroit Golf Club continues to host prestigious events. The Rocket Mortgage Classic a PGA Tour event has been held there since 2019. The club’s legacy is impressive. It’s a place where history and sporting excellence meet. The Detroit Golf Club stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Detroit. It’s a place that has seen the best of times and the challenges of war. It’s a remarkable institution that is a key part of Detroit’s identity.