Detroit Golf Club

The South Course at Detroit Golf Club represents a collaboration between two of golf architecture's most influential figures. Donald Ross designed the original layout in 1916, establishing the routing and strategic framework that characterizes the course today. Robert Trent Jones Sr. later renovated the design in 1956, modernizing bunkers and greens while preserving Ross's fundamental strategic concepts. The course occupies rolling terrain in northwest Detroit, with mature tree-lined fairways and the kind of thoughtful green complexes Ross favored throughout his prolific career. The layout measures over 7,000 yards from the championship tees and features the strategic variety typical of Ross's work—holes that reward positioning off the tee and approach shots played to specific quadrants of undulating greens. The property's natural elevation changes provide visual interest and strategic options throughout the round. Jones's modifications introduced larger, more contoured bunkers and expanded certain greens to accommodate modern tournament play, though the essential character remains rooted in Ross's original design philosophy. Detroit Golf Club has hosted significant competitive golf, including multiple Western Opens in the early 20th century and various USGA championships. The club maintains a traditional private membership and operates both the South Course and its companion North Course. The South is generally regarded as the stronger of the two layouts and serves as the club's championship course for member competitions and outside events.