Club History

The Unusual Story of Tam-O-Shanter

History:
This 160-acre tract of rolling wooded land was leased in 1925 by a group of wealthy Detroit Industrialists. They organized a Stag Country Club: “Tam-O-Shanter.” They brought here from England Captain C. A. Allison, considered by many to be the world’s foremost golf architect, who designed this superb championship course. Their clubhouse was designed by Architect H. Augustus O’Dell. At the time of the bank failure in 1933, the original Tam-O-Shanter club was dissolved, since most of the members belonged to other clubs and used Tam-O-Shanter as a stag club.

Value of the Property:
The original Tam-O-Shanter membership group had made an investment of $664,000 in the property and its maintenance. It is safe to say that Tam-O-Shanter ranks among the first flight clubs in the Detroit district in value of land and among the first half-dozen in the character and quality of golf.

The Club House:
Tam-O-Shanter’s modern Club House is of English architecture and masonry construction. It extends for a 200-foot length along a ridge, affording a vista to the East of practically the entire course. The building had been called “the coolest Club House in the Detroit district,” because it is screened from the sun by the grove of tall trees surrounding it. Value of the building - $75,000

Despite the fact that this is a “Millionaire’s Club House,” the services are extremely reasonable. For example, Golfer’s Luncheons 75c; Dinners $1.50 and $2.00; other services (bar, sandwiches, etc.) on a similar basis. An attractive feature is the beautiful shaded Club House lawn, with its tables and chairs.

The 18-Hole Championship Course:
In keeping with present-day golf architecture, Tam-O-Shanter has very few sand traps. The undulating character of the terrain makes natural hazards, requiring the golfer to place each shot. Yet there are no severe grades or slopes. It has been termed “a perfect layout” by golf experts. Total yardage 6683. Par 72. Extra large tees and greens, all of Washington-strain Creeping Bent. Tees are surrounded by luxuriant flowering shrubs which blossom from early spring until late fall. The wide fairways are heavily turfed, watered, and kept in perfect condition by a competent crew.

“Good Fellowship”:
At Tam-O-Shanter, there exists one of the finest “Club Shops” to be found anywhere. There are no cliques. There is always good company for golf, bridge, or a social chat. Tam-O-Shanter privileges have been (and will be) extended in a most careful manner. Invitation and election is by a committee which reserves the right to cancel the privileges at any time, reimbursing the fee on a pro-rata basis. This provides the same type of social selectivity, which exists in better class private clubs.