I was at Oakland Hills earlier this year, watching the final match of US Amateur. The winner, Ricky Barnes, was driving the ball so far, it blew my mind. Thanks to high-tech clubs and balls, and weightlifters turned golfers, like Barnes, Oakland Hills South is not the same "monster" Mr. Hogan brought to its knees in 1951. Oh well.
Oakland Hills South occupies a wonderful piece of property for golf. Not to hilly, not to flat. And Ross took complete advantage of it. Whereas much has changed at since the course was originally opened for play in 1916 (I think), no one has been able to improve on Ross' original routing.
However, today, the course has an awkward look about it. Principally because the ultra narrow strips of fairway at every hole contrast the inherent expansiveness of the property.
There's also a bunch of goofy, non-indigenous trees throughout the course -- evergreens. crabs, and willows -- that should be cut.
I have to agree re: the bunkers as well. During the US Amateur they appeared very stale. They're perfectly edged, awkward in shape -- with fancy little capes and bays everywhere -- and filled with glaring white sand.
Moreover, the locations of some are absurd. Like at the long par 4 5th, where a bunker (or two) is built up with fill material on the back side of a ridge crossing the fairway -- you know, to "trap" long hitters who push their tee shots ever so slightly. It's the most unnatural location for a bunker imaginable. Outrageous in fact. If I recall correctly, you can see remnants of an old Ross bunker on the "right" side of the same ridge, facing the tee.
As I wrote in Paul Daley's book, Oakland Hills has secured a place in the game's history. But it's certainly not the ideal in golf course architecture any longer.