The story
The Detroit Golf Club was founded 127 years ago in 1899 by William R. Farrand and several of his friends. Originally, the club was limited to 100 members; they rented a 45-acre (0.18 km2) plot of farmland at 6 Mile and Woodward, and a six-hole course layout was created. Three holes were added in 1900, making it a nine-hole course. The membership was increased to 200 in 1902, 135 acres (0.55 km2) of land were purchased at 6 Mile and Hamilton, and an 18-hole course was developed.
The club formally opened in 1906, and membership fees were raised to $250. Additional property was bought in 1913, and Donald Ross was asked to survey the property. He determined that 36 holes could be built on the land; Horace Rackham 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. Alec Ross, brother of the course designer, became club professional, a position he held until 1945.
Club membership was increased to 650 in 1922, and they decided to stay open year-round. In 1929, the Fred Wardell Caddy House was built, at a cost of around $40,000.
During World War II, club activities were limited due to gas rationing, and in 1945, Alec Ross retired as club professional. Tour star Horton Smith was hired as the club pro, and he was elected into the Professional Golfers Association Hall of Fame in 1959. Smith died at age 55 in 1963, and local Walter Burkemo, winner of the 1953 PGA Championship, was hired.
The club added new amenities: tennis courts, a cart garage, and a crystal dining room. Burkemo was succeeded by George Bayer; the current club pro is Josh Upson. The club also contains a pool for members, and sponsors a swim team.
From Wikipedia’s article on Detroit Golf Club, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.4