The year was 1951, when Ben Hogan played in the US Open at Oakland Hills South Course in Bloomfield Hills.
He won the tournament, his sixth of the eventual nine major titles in his storied career, and would later describe the course with two words with which it has forever been associated: “a monster.”
While it’s not “a monster,” Brae Burn Golf Club in Plymouth has a hole known as “The Monster.” From the tips, the 13th hole is believed to be the longest par-5 in the state at 666 yards, a double dogleg that has become the course’s signature hole. The club celebrates its 100-year anniversary on Saturday.
“It’s withstood the test of time,” general manager Brett Davis said Thursday. “All the regulars who have been with us for years, the returning customers, seeing the people who have stuck with us.
“I’d say that’s the best thing about it.”
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To celebrate, there will be a day of activities which includes a nine-hole scramble, Woah! Tacos & Smokehouse BBQ food trucks, giveaways and a live band (standing room only). Festivities start at 2:30 pm
Designed by Wilfrid A. Reid, the club opened in 1923 and remains well off the beaten path in a lightly wooded area known for wildlife, from turkeys and rabbits to deer and the occasional coyote. Playing at 6,511 yards, the par-70 course is relatively open off the tee, but gets tricky near the pin.
“The best thing about our course is the greens,” Davis said. “They’re very undulating and quick, but they’re nice, big greens.”
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The course also has leagues, lessons and a number of deals throughout the season:
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Monster card: 20 rounds for $525 Monday thru Friday (except Holidays) or before 2 pm on weekends
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Ladies corner: $25 for nine holes with a cart on Wednesday’s starting at 5:45 pm
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Tuesday Twosome: $66 per pair and $4 domestic beers before 4 pm
Reservations are required for Saturday’s event. Call (734) 453-1900 to register.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan golf course with longest par-5 to celebrate 100 years