Wanamaker Trophy

Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Township
3557

If the Wanamaker Trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the PGA Championship, turns up missing during this year’s tournament at Oakland Hills Country Club, chances are it can be found in a certain corporate chalet overlooking the South Course’s famed 16th hole.

“We’re going to bring our best customers from all over the world and show them what Detroit has to offer,” says Peter Karmanos Jr. (right), chairman and CEO of Detroit-based Compuware Corp. After securing a 200-person chalet for the four-day tournament, Karmanos subleased a quarter share to John Rakolta Jr. (middle), chairman and CEO of Walbridge Aldinger Co., a large contracting firm in Detroit; and Bobby Taubman (left), president, chairman, and CEO of Taubman Centers Inc., a luxury mall developer in Bloomfield Hills. “This was our home course when I was attending Brother Rice High School,” Rakolta says, “so I support the club any way I can.”

The tournament, to be held Aug. 4-10, could be a historic event, as Tiger Woods vies for his third consecutive championship, and fifth overall. “It’s a thrill to be able to host ourcustomers in a relaxed, comfortable, and unique setting,” Taubman says. “You couldn’t ask for anything more.”