This month, Grosse Pointe City Lifestyle magazine is partnering with the Lochmoor Club and long-time clothiers Pearl and Carl Sterr for a night of fun, food and fashion. Sip & Stride will be held on September 17 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and will give locals a chance to get to know the club, view curated, high-end fashion, and enjoy food, beverages, and music.
Founded in 1917 by a group of prominent Grosse Pointe residents including Edsel Ford, the Dodge brothers, and Wylie Carhartt, the four-season club is now a second home to 442 families. Many of these members have young children.
“We're a family-friendly club, so it's casual,” says Eric Reiter, general manager & COO. “We don't want to be that stuffy, formal club. Instead, we want it to be a place where members and families can come to relax, be themselves and have a good time.”
The club describes itself as “rooted in tradition yet focused on family, fun, and camaraderie; it has always been more than a club—it has been a community.”
The entire first floor of the clubhouse was renovated three years ago, so it now has a classic, contemporary look where members feel at home. Outside, they can enjoy golf, which is a huge draw, with many joining a men’s or women’s league. Its Golf Shop is recognized as one of the top 100 private golf shops in the world.
A huge pool where they can lounge and relax is also a big hit. In fact, many families join for the pool. “We're situated about a half mile from Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Woods,” he says. “Although each of the five Grosse Pointe communities has a private pool for residents, they are often very crowded.”
Members also appreciate the Patio Bar and Slice, its poolside restaurant, where they can conveniently get something to eat and drink without venturing far from their lounge chair or cabana.
“We also have a tennis house, where we offer tennis and pickleball, and a fitness center that was renovated a couple of years ago,” says Eric. “It’s very modern with all new equipment.”
The Lochmoor Athletic Center boasts four TrackMan simulators and an indoor putting and practice area. “We have a very vibrant junior golf program too with 128 kids starting at age 6, as well as a caddie program [at age 8, PGA Champion Walter Burkemo was a caddie here] and an award-winning aquatics program for children aged 9 to 17.”
The Sea Dragons compete with 13 other private clubs in Southeastern Michigan and have been champions for the last 20 years. “Our swim coach has been here for 31 years,” he says. “We're very proud of this program and this legacy.”
With its packed calendar of events, there is always something for all ages to enjoy, such as LochtoberFest, Easter Brunch, and a Holiday Gala. In the summer, there’s also an in-demand camp program.
While members understand and appreciate the many advantages of belonging to Lochmoor, Eric is looking forward to meeting others who would like to find out more during Sip & Stride.
“We're very fortunate to have the Giorgio family as members, and they own Vintage Wine, so they are more than happy to showcase their wines as part of this event. We'll also have a jazz band, bourbon and wine tastings, and hors d'oeuvres, as well as fashion models from Pearl and Carl Sterr 1922.”
Dr. Thomas Jerger will be the featured member. “He is our unofficial historian and helped with several books that have been written about the history of Lochmoor,” says Eric. “He's also very interested in the history of the Detroit Athletic Club, which was founded in 1887, and its connection with us. I was the clubhouse manager there, and it’s where the 68 passionate golfers gathered to found Lochmoor.”
The event is free of charge. For more information, visit LochmoorClub.com.
“We're a family-friendly club, so it's casual. We don't want to be that stuffy, formal club."
"it has always been more than a club—it has been a community.”
Lochmoor Club highlights and amenities:
Championship year-round golf on a classic 18-hole course
Lochmoor Athletic Center, with a short-range practice area, expansive putting green, sand trap for bunker play and wedge-hitting stations
Pool with a 25-meter, six-lane competition area and 12′ diving well with a springboard, and a shallow 3′ wading area
Separate enclosed wading pool and fountain for the little ones
Master chefs and modern clubhouse dining room
Halfway House restaurant for casual lunches
Patio Bar and Slice restaurant adjacent to the pool
A year-round packed calendar that includes LochtoberFest, Back to the Club Night, Kids Club Activities, Comedy Nights, Halloween Boo, Holiday Gala, Santa Brunch, A Night at Chef’s Table, Wine Tasting Nights and Golf League & Pickleball Events