Detroit Golf Club
Encyclopedia
The Detroit Golf Club or DGC is a private golf club located in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
in the midst of a neighborhood area on north side of the city near the University of Detroit Mercy
and Palmer Woods Historic District
. It began as a 6 hole course, the gradually improved to 9, then Donald Ross built the current 36 hole course. The club grounds crew maintains two courses. The North and the South Course. On October 10, 2010 the club and sponsors have expressed interest in a PGA Tour
event to be held possibly in 2013.
paid $100,000 for the 36 hole course to be built to the DGC at a cost. In 1916 Albert Kahn started construction on a new clubhouse, which was completed in 1918. The brother of Donald Ross, Alec Ross
, became Club Professional, which he held until 1945, a total of 31 years. In 1922 club membership was increased to 650 and the decision was made to keep the club open year round. In 1929 the Fred Wardell Caddy House was built, and the cost was around $40,000. During World War II
Club activities were limited due to gas rationing, and in 1945, Alex Ross retired as Club Professional. From there golf star Horton Smith
was hired as the Club Pro, and in 1959 was elected into the Professional Golfers Association
Hall of Fame. In 1962 Horton Smith died, and Walter Burkemo
was hired. New changes came to the club. Tennis courts, a cart garage, and a crystal dining room were added, and Walter Burkemo was replaced by George Bayer
. The club also contains a pool for the members, and for the swim team.
. It is separated from the adjacent Palmer Park Golf Course by Pontchartrain Blvd. on the East, and Fairway Drive on the West. It shares a small border with 7 Mile on the North, and a large border with McNichols (6 Mile) on the South.
Women's
Couple's
Family Golf Events
Possible PGA Event
On October 11, 2010, the Detroit Golf Club announced that it will be bidding for a potential PGA Tour
event as early as September of next year. The Dow Chemical Company
, General Motors
, and Cadillac
are rumored to have interest in sponsoring the event, but will not confirm or deny the rumors. If the Club is chosen, the event will probably be held on the North Course. Some of the holes will be lengthened by moving the tee boxes back, and certain holes will have their par increased by a stroke. Hotels in the area will provide lodging for players and staff. Parking will most likely be held by adjacent Palmer Park and the surrounding area, with the University of Detroit Mercy
and the Michigan State Fairgrounds serving as other possible parking locations.
, Aretha Franklin
, John Conyers
. and many more.
bent the tree to serve as a marker for the original Indian Trail between Detroit and Pontiac
. The original clubhouse was situated where the 12th green is today, pipes can still be seen a distance behind the green. Along the 18th hole there is a ditch that runs up the left fairway, this ditch is a water hazard on one side, and a bridge separates it from the lateral hazard.
Wayne County, Michigan
-History:Wayne County was one of the first counties formed when the Northwest Territory was organized. It was named for the American general "Mad Anthony" Wayne. It originally encompassed the entire area of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as small sections that are now part of northern...
in the midst of a neighborhood area on north side of the city near the University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy is a private, Roman Catholic co-educational university in Detroit, Michigan, United States, affiliated with the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy. Antoine M. Garibaldi is the president. With origins dating from 1877, it is the largest Roman Catholic university...
and Palmer Woods Historic District
Palmer Woods Historic District
The Palmer Woods Historic District is a residential historic district bounded by Seven Mile Road, Woodward Avenue, and Strathcona Drive in Detroit, Michigan. There are approximately 289 homes in the district. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The Detroit Golf Club...
. It began as a 6 hole course, the gradually improved to 9, then Donald Ross built the current 36 hole course. The club grounds crew maintains two courses. The North and the South Course. On October 10, 2010 the club and sponsors have expressed interest in a PGA Tour
PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the organizer of the main men's professional golf tours in the United States and North America...
event to be held possibly in 2013.
History
The Detroit Golf Club was founded in 1899 by William R. Farrand and several of his friends. Originally the Club was limited to 100 members. A 45 acres (182,108.7 m²) plot of farmland was rented at 6 Mile and Woodward, and a 6-hole course layout was created. In 1900 the course added 3 holes making it a 9-hole course. The membership number was raised to 200 in 1902. At that time 135 acre (0.5463261 km²) of land were purchased at 6 Mile and Hamilton, and an 18-hole course was developed. In 1906 the Club was formally opened, and membership fees were raised to $250. In 1913 additional property was bought, and Donald Ross was asked to survey the property. Ross determined that two courses of 18 holes could be built on the land. Horace RackhamHorace Rackham
Horace H. Rackham was one of the original stockholders in the Ford Motor Company and a noted philanthropist.- Early Life and Ford :...
paid $100,000 for the 36 hole course to be built to the DGC at a cost. In 1916 Albert Kahn started construction on a new clubhouse, which was completed in 1918. The brother of Donald Ross, Alec Ross
Alec Ross
Alexander Ross , generally known as Alec Ross and sometimes as Alex or Aleck, was a Scottish golfer. He was a native of Dornoch and learned his golf in his home country, but like many British professional golfers of his era he spent many years working as a club professional in the United States...
, became Club Professional, which he held until 1945, a total of 31 years. In 1922 club membership was increased to 650 and the decision was made to keep the club open year round. In 1929 the Fred Wardell Caddy House was built, and the cost was around $40,000. During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
Club activities were limited due to gas rationing, and in 1945, Alex Ross retired as Club Professional. From there golf star Horton Smith
Horton Smith
Horton Smith was an American professional golfer, who is best known as the first man to win the Masters Tournament.- Tournament career :...
was hired as the Club Pro, and in 1959 was elected into the Professional Golfers Association
Professional Golfers Association
Professional Golfers' Association, , is the usual term for a professional association in men's golf. It is often abbreviated to PGA...
Hall of Fame. In 1962 Horton Smith died, and Walter Burkemo
Walter Burkemo
Walter E. Burkemo was an American professional golfer, best known for winning the 1953 PGA Championship....
was hired. New changes came to the club. Tennis courts, a cart garage, and a crystal dining room were added, and Walter Burkemo was replaced by George Bayer
George Bayer
George Bayer was an American professional golfer who played on the PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour....
. The club also contains a pool for the members, and for the swim team.
Location
The Club is located on the North side of Detroit, near many landmarks such as Palmer Park and the University of Detroit MercyUniversity of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy is a private, Roman Catholic co-educational university in Detroit, Michigan, United States, affiliated with the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy. Antoine M. Garibaldi is the president. With origins dating from 1877, it is the largest Roman Catholic university...
. It is separated from the adjacent Palmer Park Golf Course by Pontchartrain Blvd. on the East, and Fairway Drive on the West. It shares a small border with 7 Mile on the North, and a large border with McNichols (6 Mile) on the South.
Club Tournaments
Men's- Men's Golf League
- Men's Ringer Board
- Men's Golf Fund
- Men's Opening Day
- Men's Old Pal
- President's Cup
- Horton Smith Tournament
- Men's Spring Medal Play
- The Whistler
- The Hummer
- Men's Club Championship
- Men's Senior Club Championship
- Men's Member-Member
- Men's Closing Day
Women's
- Women's Corkscrew Opener
- Women's 18-Hole League
- Girls Night Out
- Women's Detroit Metro League
- Four Girl Team
- Ladies' Cup
- Women's Medal Play
- Women's Texas Scramble I & II
- Sundancer Invitational
- Grandmother-Senior Event
- Women's Club Championship
- Women's Member-Member
- Women's Ryder Cup
- Women's Closing Day- 2Tall/2Small
Couple's
- Nine and Dine
- Couple's Golf League
- Memorial Day Scramble
- DGC Caddie Scholarship Event
- Patriot Day
- Labor Day Scramble
- Husband-Wife Championship
Family Golf Events
- Mother's Day Tournament
- Father's Day Tournament
- Junior Golf
Possible PGA Event
On October 11, 2010, the Detroit Golf Club announced that it will be bidding for a potential PGA Tour
PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the organizer of the main men's professional golf tours in the United States and North America...
event as early as September of next year. The Dow Chemical Company
Dow Chemical Company
The Dow Chemical Company is a multinational corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, United States. As of 2007, it is the second largest chemical manufacturer in the world by revenue and as of February 2009, the third-largest chemical company in the world by market capitalization .Dow...
, General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
, and Cadillac
Cadillac
Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors . Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mostly in North America. Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind fellow GM marque Buick and is among the oldest...
are rumored to have interest in sponsoring the event, but will not confirm or deny the rumors. If the Club is chosen, the event will probably be held on the North Course. Some of the holes will be lengthened by moving the tee boxes back, and certain holes will have their par increased by a stroke. Hotels in the area will provide lodging for players and staff. Parking will most likely be held by adjacent Palmer Park and the surrounding area, with the University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy is a private, Roman Catholic co-educational university in Detroit, Michigan, United States, affiliated with the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy. Antoine M. Garibaldi is the president. With origins dating from 1877, it is the largest Roman Catholic university...
and the Michigan State Fairgrounds serving as other possible parking locations.
- On June 17th, 2011, the Detroit News reported that the club will not have an event until 2013, if a spot opens on the 43-event PGA TourPGA TourThe PGA Tour is the organizer of the main men's professional golf tours in the United States and North America...
schedule.
Courses
Both courses have a snack shack next to a combined tee. The 13th for the South and the 14th for the North. Water hazards can be found on the North and South. Both courses are also bordered by beautiful houses that belong to many notable residents such as Jerome BettisJerome Bettis
Jerome Abram "The Bus" Bettis is a retired American football halfback who played for the NFL's Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is considered one of the best big backs ever because his footwork and power, and is currently fifth on the National Football League's all-time...
, Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
, John Conyers
John Conyers
John Conyers, Jr. is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 1965 . He is a member of the Democratic Party...
. and many more.
North Course
The North Course is longer than the South by 870 yards. Distinctive features include the bent tree between the 7th and 8th hole. As a sapling, Native AmericansNative Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
bent the tree to serve as a marker for the original Indian Trail between Detroit and Pontiac
Pontiac, Michigan
Pontiac is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan named after the Ottawa Chief Pontiac, located within the Detroit metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 59,515. It is the county seat of Oakland County...
. The original clubhouse was situated where the 12th green is today, pipes can still be seen a distance behind the green. Along the 18th hole there is a ditch that runs up the left fairway, this ditch is a water hazard on one side, and a bridge separates it from the lateral hazard.
South Course
The South Course has two combined tees. The 3rd and 9th, and the 5th and the 8th. The 10th tee is the most elevated at the DGC. In the early 1980s, the 13th tee was combined with the 14th tee on the North in front of the shack.Miscellaneous
- The Club has a free membership for the Mayor of Detroit.
- Many Detroit stars such as Justin VerlanderJustin VerlanderJustin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....
, Gerald LairdGerald LairdGerald Lee Laird III is an American professional baseball catcher for the Detroit Tigers. He graduated La Quinta High School in 1998, and played college baseball at Cypress College...
, Jim LeylandJim LeylandJames Richard "Jim" Leyland is a Major League Baseball manager, currently with the Detroit Tigers.He led the Florida Marlins to a World Series championship in 1997, and previously won three straight division titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates...
, Jerome BettisJerome BettisJerome Abram "The Bus" Bettis is a retired American football halfback who played for the NFL's Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is considered one of the best big backs ever because his footwork and power, and is currently fifth on the National Football League's all-time...
, Jim SchwartzJim SchwartzJim Schwartz is an American football head coach for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League.-Early life:Born just outside Baltimore, Maryland, Schwartz attended Mount Saint Joseph High School, an all male Catholic school, where he played football.Schwartz was a four-year letterman at...
, and many others have or still do play there. - The Club has tennis courts and a pool, for the tennis and swimming teams, respectively.
- The Club has a caddie program that participates in The Evans Scholars Foundation