ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Oakland University has retained Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, (C.W. Golf Architecture) to develop a golf course architectural master plan for the Katke-Cousins 18-hole golf course, one of the University’s two championship golf courses, and home to the Golden Grizzlies men’s and women’s golf teams.
“It’s a privilege to work with Oakland University on the enhancement of the prestigious Katke-Cousins Golf Course, and to be involved with a property that has such a distinct history,” Wilczynski said. “The course infrastructure needs a general upgrade given its age, so we are in the process of reimagining the course to amplify its architectural intent, aesthetics, and playability to meet the standards of today’s golfer as well as future golfers,” he added.
Nestled within the rolling landscape of Rochester Hills, a northern suburb of Detroit, the scenic Katke-Cousins golf course is part of the Meadow Brook estate and sits adjacent to the farmhouse and 9-hole course once owned and maintained by American automobile manufacturing pioneer, John Dodge. After Dodge’s 9-hole course closed in 1919, it was over 50 years later when supporters Marvin Katke and Harold Cousins donated funds for the construction of a new 18-hole course, designed by Robert Beard in 1976. The Katke-Cousins course named for its benefactors, eventually opened to the public in 1977 and to this day, remains a highly regarded, and top ranked course in Michigan.
The course has held numerous professional and amateur tournaments, including the Hall Financial Michigan Open in 2023 and 2024, an event that attracts the state’s top professionals and amateur golfers. It also hosted the GAM Tournament of Champions and GAM Senior Tournament of Champions (2020), The Summit League Women’s Golf Championship in April 2009, as well as the first Ryder Cup Champions Invitational in September 2004 among others.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Chris on this project,” said Nick Pumford, Oakland University Golf General Manager. “He’s a seasoned professional with an impressive track record of revitalizing many great golf facilities. Our team has met several times to discuss the vision and pending plans. We enjoy Chris’ process and his collaborative approach, and we look forward to continuing to work together to develop a roadmap to enhance and preserve the history and beauty of this storied facility,” he added.
Timing for the course improvement work will be determined once the vision and master plan is approved. “The goal will be to implement the course enhancement work as efficiently as possible while creating minimal disruption to the playing experience,” Wilczynski stated.