History
100 Years of Vision Fulfilled
The Club was founded in 1916 by a small group of six men who purchased the Case farm to fulfill their grand vision. The farm was a hidden gem of 161 pristine acres of lush and beautiful landscape filled with hardwood trees, rolling hills, gentle valleys, and a winding stream running through it. While they had initially planned as a real estate development, the property's natural beauty was perfect for building a charming and challenging golf course to anchor the formation of a golf club. The first nine holes were designed by Tom Bendelow in 1916, with the second nine added in 1920. Englishman Wilfred Reid and his partner William Connellan redesigned the course in the 1920s. In 1930, William H. Diddel further revised the course, and for the 1953 PGA Championship, modifications were made under the supervision of architect Robert Trent Jones. Additional renovations occurred in 1963 and 1985, and ongoing developments followed a long-range plan by architect Arthur Hills. As the Club approached its Centennial anniversary in 2014, Bruce Hepner was hired to create a master plan for the course and, in short, restore its identity after many hands and many changes over the last 100 years. A 2.6 million dollar project wrapped up in the spring of 2016, just in time for the Centennial celebration. In 2021, all of the bent grass green complexes were redesigned and upgraded to USGA standards under the supervision of Bruce Hepner again. Today, the Club and course are highly esteemed in the Michigan club community.
Originally playing at 6,260 yards in 1929, the course has evolved to its current state of 6,631 yards from the back tees, with various ratings for different tees. The Club's history includes the installation of an irrigation system in 1953, subsequent updates, and ongoing projects like the Rouge River stabilization. A recent 2 million dollar investment in the Greens & Grounds building has provided top-notch equipment and facilities for maintaining the immaculate course.
Facing financial challenges during the Great Depression, the Club was reorganized in 1935, securing a lease arrangement. In 1943, the property was purchased for $75,000 after a spirited competition among eight-member teams to raise the money, marking the incorporation of Birmingham Country Club.
The original clubhouse was the white Greek Revival farmhouse at 1876 Northlawn across from the 18th fairway. Built in 1844 and known as the "Wooster House," this historical home is recognized by the Birmingham Historical Society and remains our loyal neighbor to this day. In time, this was replaced by a wooden frame clubhouse built on the course grounds north of the present Grill Room towards the putting green. After several fruitful years, the current English-style clubhouse opened in 1930 for a total cost of just under $200,000. Designed by Cyril Edward Schley and built by the R.F. Tillotson Building Company, the clubhouse has undergone significant investment, expansion, and renovations over the years.
While family-oriented, the Club hosted notable tournaments, such as the Michigan PGA in 1929, the True Temper Open in 1936, and the 1953 PGA National Championship won by Wally Burkemo. The Club witnessed a historic shift in golf tournaments, influencing the move from match play to stroke play due to unexpected winners in 1953. Other championships hosted include the 1968 USGA Women's National Amateur and the 1984 USGA Senior Amateur.
Birmingham Club celebrated its Centennial anniversary in 2016, marking the occasion with an eight-million-dollar renovation clubhouse and course renovation. Over its 100-year history, BCC has witnessed significant change but remains a source of pleasure and pride for generations of member families. Thanks to member efforts, the course, clubhouse, and amenities are in excellent condition, with a healthy financial position and new member interest ensuring a bright future.BCC has been an enchanting oasis from the hustle and bustle of an increasingly crowded, complex, and competitive society because its active members have worked diligently to make it so. Today, because of continuing member efforts over the years, the course, clubhouse, and other amenities have never been in better condition. The Club's financial position and new member interest are both healthy, and the future looks very bright.
All of us at Birmingham Country Club are fortunate to be a part of the traditions and amenities that contribute to the wonderful experience we are privileged to enjoy. It is in our hands to ensure that this jewel is preserved and sent forward in even better shape than we found it.
