Southfield, Michigan
Plum Hollow is a quintessential Golden Age club, combining Alison’s strategic flair with dramatic terrain, demanding angles, and a sense of storied tradition. The course’s recent renovations have revitalized playability and restored its open, strategic intent, making it a must for lovers of classic architecture in the Midwest. Its regional appeal and rich tournament history offer a golf experience that feels both challenging and timeless.
Check out the restored original bunkering near the 6th green, a showcase of Alison's bold vision brought back to life by the latest renovation.
Plum Hollow exemplifies Golden Age strategic design, routed by C. H. Alison to maximize the rolling Michigan land, dramatic ravines, and perched greens. Alison’s hallmark emphasis on shot angles and options is evident throughout, while Drew Rogers’ recent restorations have removed intrusive trees, reclaimed sightlines, and rebuilt bunkers to return the course to its original boldness and challenge. The holes flow seamlessly over hilly topography, with a rhythm that rewards both careful positioning and creative shotmaking. With compelling green complexes and thoughtful use of elevation, Plum Hollow offers a window into the best of pre-war strategic golf—updated for the demands of the modern player.
The course is pure Alison—thoughtful, strategic, and committed to the original vision, enhanced by Drew Rogers’ faithful restoration work.
This par 5 is a sweeping, uphill challenge that asks for placement and patience rather than just distance. With hazards down the corridor and an Alison-style green perched beyond bunkers, it rewards smart navigation and three precise shots. Its scale and demand for thoughtful sequencing make it a signature test of the routing.
Favor position over power—keep the ball in play and approach the green from the best angle, as layup and approach each demand a plan.
Overaggressive second shots or poor angle choices can leave you blocked out or struggling to recover from deep bunkers and slopes.
Superb greens, consistent fairways, and careful attention to detail in all playing surfaces thanks to recent renovation efforts.
Well-regulated private club tee times and a steady, relaxed round; no resort congestion or slow play.
Refined, traditional, and lively with a strong sense of club camaraderie and Golden Age character.
Standard private club attire; collared shirts and slacks required—confirm with club for policy specifics.
Study Colt & Alison’s strategic approach—position and angles matter more than brute force on most holes.
Bring comfortable golf shoes for tackling the course’s undulating terrain and sidehill stances.
Expect tight, well-defended green complexes that reward sharp chipping and creative recovery shots.
Plum Hollow founded and course construction begins under C. H. Alison
Wartime Ryder Cup-style matches held at Plum Hollow
Hosts the PGA Championship, one of golf’s majors
Hosts Women’s Western Amateur
Hosts the Western Open
Bill Newcomb renovates greens and bunkers to address drainage
Drew Rogers leads renovation of green complexes on 12, 13, and 18
While often associated with Colt & Alison, the course was actually designed entirely by Charles Hugh Alison, who applied a bold strategic template of corridors, ravines, and beguiling green sites unique to Michigan club golf. The recent master plan by Drew Rogers has meticulously revived Alison’s open, angles-first intentions.
During World War II, Plum Hollow held the 1943 Ryder Cup Matches, a departure from standard format but a badge of honor for the club’s legacy and wartime sportsmanship. It remains a point of pride in club lore despite its unique circumstances.
Recent tree removal, bunker restoration, and green expansions have made Plum Hollow both friendlier to shot creativity and true to its Golden Age roots. Members say the widened vistas and restored lines deliver a course that feels both classic and fresh.
After decades since hosting the PGA Championship and Western Open, the club is recapturing statewide attention with hosts like the Michigan Amateur and, in 2024, the Michigan Women’s Amateur. The rejuvenated layout is proving championship-worthy again.
Harry Colt’s name is on the club history, but Charles Hugh Alison designed and oversaw the course alone.
Plum Hollow hosted both a Ryder Cup-style event during WWII and a proper men’s major: the 1947 PGA Championship.
Recent restoration efforts have removed up to 1,000 trees to revive open corridors and Alison’s anything-but-wooded look.
The club’s 2024 renovations included innovative green reshaping on three holes, resetting pin positions for modern speeds.
Many club regulars consider the dramatic 17th and 18th as among the best closing par 5s in Michigan.
Legendary history and pristine parkland architecture just up the road.
Excellent new resort-style public play with modern greens.
Classic Donald Ross design and current PGA Tour host.
Accessible, well-conditioned daily-fee golf near metro Detroit.
Stay in Birmingham, Royal Oak, or Detroit’s Midtown for convenience to elite clubs and the best Detroit dining.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Knickerbocker Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Plum Hollow Country Club.
Why it matches: Kahkwa Club is a natural next stop after Plum Hollow Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: If Plum Hollow Country Club is your kind of course, Skokie Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
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