2008 US PGA Championship Venue FacilitiesA fan cools a green during a practice round prior to the start of the 89th PGA Championship at the Southern Hills Country Club on August 8, 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Oakland Hills was formally opened on 13 July 1918 and already enjoyed a certain degree of prestige. After all, the course was designed by the foremost golf course architect of his day - Donald Ross.  It had also secured US Open winner Walter Hagen as its first professional.

The enjoyment of country club life at that stage was limited to the golf course and at that time the “Club house” was a farmhouse on the North side and the old chicken coop served as Hagen's pro shop.

The Clubhouse which is still the basic structure we recognize today was completed and formally opened in August 1922, at a cost of $650,000.00 unfinished. The original Clubhouse had accommodations for 48 overnight guests and, in those days, it was not uncommon for members to stay at the Club for weeks at a time.

Over the past several years the Club has spent millions of dollars on improvements, renovations, and additions to the Clubhouse and Club property. Very extensive renovations to the main Clubhouse were made in 1968 which resulted in the removal of the sleeping rooms and the building of a new ladies locker room on the North end of the second floor of the Club.

Rooms for private parties were also added on the second floor, a new Mixed Grille was built on the second floor, a new pro-shop was built, and the Men's Grille was expanded and refurbished. A new pool and pool house opened in 1971. Additional tennis courts were added so that there are now six courts available to play. Paddle tennis courts were also added to accommodate the growing popularity of this sport. Before the opening of the 1974 season, the first floor of the Clubhouse was redecorated and a new half-way house was built on the South Course.

In 1976, both the downstairs and upstairs kitchens were completely remodelled and equipped to meet the demands Club members for dining facilities.

In 1982, the Galleria was installed along the walls of the second floor hallway from the Mixed Grille to the Ladies Lounge and Locker area. Over 200 pictures of past tournaments as well as views of the early Clubhouse and grounds were hung.

Remodelling and expansion of the Men's Grille was completed in 1986. At this time major remodelling and decorating brought complete new looks in the Great Room, South Dining Room, Casino Bar as well as the Mixed Grille and Director's Room.

In January 1999 the club began a $16.25 million dollar renovation project that included the Pro Shop, Bag Room, and remodelling and restoration of the clubhouse. The club reopened to the membership in May 2000 with a gala event more grand than the tremendous scope of the renovation.

The Club's effort has once again demonstrated its commitment to maintaining its reputation as one of the best courses in the USA.  What many feel to be a national treasure, is sure to prove a fantastic venue for the 2008 US PGA Championship.

How will course improvements and renovations impact on the 2008 US PGA Championship. Can you predict the 2008 winner?

For live golf betting and daily special offers, we recommend William Hill, one of the world's largest and most reputable betting companies.