Birmingham, Michigan
Birmingham Country Club is a regionally elite, classically routed course, recently rejuvenated with a full USGA-spec green complex rebuild. Its 1953 PGA Championship legacy and polished conditioning make it a must-play if you can score an invite in metro Detroit.
Birmingham Country Club blends Tom Bendelow’s golden-age vision with the sharp, modern hand of Bruce Hepner. Routed over gently rolling terrain with deep roots in Detroit golf culture, the course is defined by its classic parkland corridors, creative bunkering, and, most recently, a complete green-complex transformation. The 2021 Hepner-led renovation recaptured classic shapes, replaced every green down to the sub-base, and restored the bold, strategic challenge of Bendelow’s era—with bolder slopes, expanded putting surfaces, and immaculate bent-grass. Birmingham now offers a firm, fair test requiring precise tee shots, imaginative recoveries, and strategic thinking on newly contoured greens.
Original design by Tom Bendelow, major green complex restoration by Bruce Hepner (2021) has reenergized the club’s golden-age DNA.
A welcoming but subtly tricky par 5 that lays out across the property’s main valley, inviting players to launch their round with a decisive tee shot. The green, newly built and contoured, sits protected by bunkers and subtle slopes.
A strong drive rewards a go-for-it mentality, but only a precisely controlled second—or smart layup—sets up an early birdie chance.
Greenside bunkers, a tricky run-off area, and bold new green contours await any miss left or long.
Consistently firm, pristine bent-grass greens and immaculate private-club fairways; the rebuilt USGA green complexes are a highlight.
Typically smooth, efficiently managed pace typical of elite private clubs; expect to play in under 4.5 hours unless it’s a peak member event.
Traditional, refined, and steeped in Detroit golf heritage; expect a polished, courteous, but not stuffy atmosphere.
Strict private-club standard: collared shirts, tailored golf attire, no denim or cargo shorts.
The renovated greens demand the full arsenal of chips, pitches, and putts; spend time on the short-game area before teeing off.
Hilly terrain and firm conditions mean stable shoes are a must for confident movement and traction.
Watch recent member flyovers or walkthroughs of the new greens to visualize pin positions and ideal chip spots.
With members and history watching, compose yourself on the opener—a good start builds confidence on this championship-caliber track.
Club founded, first nine holes by Tom Bendelow
Second nine holes added
Members purchased the club after Depression-era struggles
Hosted the PGA Championship, won by Walter Burkemo
Venue for the U.S. Women's Amateur
Centennial celebrated with $8 million improvements
All 18 greens rebuilt to USGA specs in Bruce Hepner renovation
Birmingham Country Club’s greens wept under the summer pressure of the PGA’s finest, with Michigan’s own Walter Burkemo lifting the Wanamaker as fans packed the valleys and tree lines. That hard-fought victory embedded the club in American golf lore.
In just 60 days during 2021, Bruce Hepner’s team demolished and rebuilt every green to modern USGA specifications, reimagining Bendelow’s original subtleties. The greens now pulse with subtle slopes, bold edges, and pure-bent surfaces.
When the six founding members gazed across the rolling 161-acre Case farm, they deemed it destined for golf—not real estate. Their intuition yielded a magnificent Detroit classic, woven between valleys, mature trees, and a winding stream.
Walter Burkemo, a Michigan native, triumphed here in the 1953 PGA Championship—fulfilling a local dream.
Every green was fully demolished and rebuilt in just 60 days during the 2021 restoration.
The club site was selected specifically for its suitability for golf—rolling farmland, not housing tracts.
The original clubhouse was a repurposed white Greek Revival farmhouse on Northlawn Street.
A major club reorganization during the Depression led to a member-owned structure since 1943.
A top-tier public course with well-regarded design and conditioning—easily bookable for all visitors.
One of metro Detroit's most inviting public/resort options—ideal for classic routing and full-service amenities.
An all-world private championship course (if you can arrange access, it's a must for trip bragging rights).
More accessible high-end golf—solid modern design, available to outside play at certain times.
Fun, casual, bookable option to fill out the itinerary or add a relaxed round to your trip.
Stay in Birmingham or Bloomfield for shortest access to elite clubs, or consider downtown Detroit for broader nightlife and big-city amenities.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Greensboro Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Birmingham Country Club.
Why it matches: If Birmingham Country Club is your kind of course, Moraine Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: If Birmingham Country Club is your kind of course, Indian Hills Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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