Katke-Cousins at Oakland University Golf & Learning Center

The Katke-Cousins Course at Oakland University Golf & Learning Center in Rochester, Michigan, was designed by Robert Beard and Bill Newcomb and serves as both a public golf facility and an educational resource for the university's golf management program. The course occupies land on the Oakland University campus in suburban Detroit, providing accessible golf in a setting that balances recreational play with academic instruction and research.

The layout reflects the relatively flat to gently rolling terrain characteristic of southeastern Michigan, with routing that accommodates players of varying skill levels while supporting the center's teaching mission. The course design incorporates features typical of modern public facilities in the region, with strategic bunkering and water hazards that create interest without overwhelming recreational golfers. The property's integration with the university allows for programming that extends beyond traditional daily-fee operations.

The Golf & Learning Center functions as a laboratory for Oakland University's sport and recreation management students, offering hands-on experience in course operations, turf management, and hospitality services. This educational component distinguishes the facility from conventional municipal courses, as it serves dual purposes of community recreation and professional training. The center includes practice facilities and instructional areas that support both public lessons and academic coursework.

The course provides golf access to university students, faculty, and the broader Rochester community, maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for beginners while offering sufficient challenge for experienced players. Its location within the Oakland University campus creates a distinctive setting among Michigan's public golf options.