The Tulsa Golfer's Guide: Your Comprehensive Resource for Tee Times & Local Insights
Introduction: Welcome to Tulsa Golf
Tulsa, Oklahoma, boasts a rich golfing heritage and a diverse collection of courses catering to every skill level and budget. This guide is designed for both seasoned golfers and those new to the area, offering insider knowledge, practical advice, and a deep dive into the local golf scene. Whether you're a local looking for your next favorite course or a visitor seeking the best Tulsa has to offer, you've come to the right place.
Course Rankings & Reviews
This section presents a curated list of Tulsa's top courses, categorized by value and experience. Rankings are based on a combination of course architects, local golfer feedback, and recent tournament history.
1. The Classic at The Manor (Championship-Level)
- Signature Hole: Hole 16, a challenging par-3 over water with a dramatic backdrop of the Manor's historic architecture.
- Notable Features: A meticulously maintained course with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. Known for its demanding layout and exceptional conditioning.
- Unique Appeal: The Manor offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 72.8/70.2
- Price: $120-$200+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.themanorclub.com/golf
2. Oak ఉన్నాయి (Championship-Level)
- Signature Hole: Hole 4, a long par-5 with a risk-reward layup option.
- Notable Features: A challenging course with rolling hills, water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers. Known for its demanding layout and exceptional conditioning.
- Unique Appeal: Oak ఉన్నాయి offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 73.5/71.5
- Price: $100-$180+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.oakclubgolf.com/
3. Tulsa Country Club (Championship-Level)
- Signature Hole: Hole 12, a par-3 with a challenging green complex.
- Notable Features: A classic course with mature trees, water hazards, and undulating fairways. Known for its demanding layout and exceptional conditioning.
- Unique Appeal: Tulsa Country Club offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 72.5/70.0
- Price: $90-$160+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.tulsacountryclub.com/golf/
4. Woodland Country Club (Premium Public)
- Signature Hole: Hole 17, a dramatic par-4 with a tee shot overlooking a beautiful valley.
- Notable Features: A well-maintained course with challenging greens, strategically placed bunkers, and mature trees. Known for its excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere.
- Unique Appeal: Woodland Country Club offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 71.5/69.5
- Price: $80-$140+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.woodlandcc.com/golf/
5. Crow Valley Golf Course (Premium Public)
- Signature Hole: Hole 10, a challenging par-3 with a water hazard guarding the green.
- Notable Features: A well-maintained course with challenging greens, strategically placed bunkers, and mature trees. Known for its excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere.
- Unique Appeal: Crow Valley offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 70.5/68.5
- Price: $60-$100+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/Facilities/Facilities-Directory/Crow-Valley-Golf-Course
6. Sherwood Golf Course (Budget-Friendly)
- Signature Hole: Hole 5, a short par-4 with a challenging approach shot.
- Notable Features: A well-maintained course with challenging greens, strategically placed bunkers, and mature trees. Known for its excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere.
- Unique Appeal: Sherwood offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 69.0/67.0
- Price: $30-$50+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.cityoftulsa.org/Facilities/Facilities-Directory/Sherwood-Golf-Course
7. St. James Golf Club (Budget-Friendly)
- Signature Hole: Hole 18, a challenging par-4 with a water hazard guarding the green.
- Notable Features: A well-maintained course with challenging greens, strategically placed bunkers, and mature trees. Known for its excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere.
- Unique Appeal: St. James offers a classic, traditional golf experience. It's a course that rewards precision and strategic thinking.
- Slope/Rating: 68.0/66.0
- Price: $30-$50+ (depending on time of day and season)
- Website: https://www.stjamesgolfclub.com/
Hidden Gems
- Fairview Golf Course: A charming, older course with a relaxed atmosphere and affordable rates. It's a great option for a casual round. Known for its friendly staff and well-maintained greens.
- Maple Hills Golf Course: A hidden gem with a unique layout and challenging greens. It's a popular choice among locals looking for a good value.
Practical Golfer Information
Difficulty Breakdown:
- Beginner-Friendly: Sherwood Golf Course, St. James Golf Club. These courses have shorter yardages, fewer hazards, and more forgiving fairways.
- Championship-Level: The Classic at The Manor, Oak ఉన్నాయి, Tulsa Country Club, Woodland Country Club, Crow Valley Golf Course. These courses feature longer yardages, more challenging layouts, and stricter course conditions.
- Slope/Rating: The slope/rating system indicates the difficulty of a course. A lower slope/rating indicates a more beginner-friendly course, while a higher slope/rating indicates a more challenging course.
Seasonal Strategy:
- Spring (March-May): Course reopens around mid-March, depending on weather. Aeration typically occurs in April/May. Conditions can be unpredictable, with occasional rain.
- Summer (June-August): Peak season. Expect hot and humid conditions. Prime tee times are in the early morning. Twilight golf is popular.
- Fall (September-November): Peak playing season. Cool, dry weather and beautiful foliage. Excellent conditions.
- Winter (December-February): Some courses offer limited play. Indoor golf facilities are available. Practice facilities are well-maintained.
Tee Time Tactics:
- Booking Platforms: GolfNow (https://www.golfnow.com/), Course websites, Phone calls.
- Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season. The Classic at The Manor and Oak ఉన్నాయి require reservations well in advance.
- Walk-on Possibilities: Limited availability, especially on weekends. Check with the pro shop for availability.
Local Playing Conditions:
- Typical Weather Patterns: Tulsa experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, winters are mild with occasional snow.
- Wind Considerations: Wind can be a factor, especially on courses with open layouts. The Arkansas River can influence wind patterns.
- Course Maintenance Schedules: Courses typically aerate in the spring and fall. Greens are fertilized regularly. Course conditions are generally excellent.
Insider Knowledge
Pro Shop Insights:
- Equipment: Golf Galaxy (multiple locations), PGA Superstore (near Woodland Country Club).
- Lessons: The Classic at The Manor, Tulsa Country Club, and Woodland Country Club offer lessons from experienced instructors.
- Club Fitting: Several clubs in the area offer club fitting services, including those mentioned above.
19th Hole Recommendations:
- The Classic at The Manor: The Manor Clubhouse offers a fine dining experience with beautiful views.
- Tulsa Country Club: The Clubhouse Restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a variety of menu options.
- Woodland Country Club: The Clubhouse Restaurant offers a casual dining experience with a variety of menu options.
- Crow Valley Golf Course: The Crow Valley Clubhouse offers a casual dining experience with a variety of menu options.
Local Golf Culture:
- Etiquette Expectations: Dress code is generally collared shirts and golf pants or shorts. Pace of play is important. Be mindful of other golfers.
- Pace of Play Norms: Keep up with the group in front of you. Don't spend too much time searching for lost balls.
- Community Tournaments: Numerous amateur and professional tournaments are held throughout the year. Check the Tulsa Area Golf Association website for a schedule.
Transportation & Logistics:
- Parking Situations: Most courses offer ample parking.
- Public Transit Access: Limited public transit access to golf courses. Ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft) are readily available.
- Multi-Course Day Planning: Consider a stay-and-play package at a resort or a day trip to nearby courses in the region.
Seasonal Deep Dive
Spring Golf:
- Course Reopening Schedules: Most courses reopen in mid-March.
- Aeration Timing: Aeration typically occurs in April/May.
- Early Season Conditions: Conditions can be unpredictable, with occasional rain.
Summer Strategy:
- Heat Management: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
- Prime Tee Times: Early morning tee times are cooler.
- Twilight Golf: Popular option for avoiding the heat.
Fall Excellence:
- Peak Playing Season: Cool, dry weather and beautiful foliage.
- Foliage Golf: Enjoy the vibrant colors of the fall foliage.
- Weather Transitions: Be prepared for occasional rain.
Winter Options:
- Year-Round Facilities: Some courses offer indoor golf facilities.
- Indoor Alternatives: Golf simulators, driving ranges, and practice facilities are available.
- Off-Season Practice: Take advantage of the quiet time to work on your game.
Regional Context
Architectural Styles:
- Dominant Course Designers: Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Pete Dye have all designed courses in the Tulsa area.
- Local Influences: The courses reflect the region's history and landscape, with a focus on rolling hills and mature trees.
Geographical Advantages:
- Terrain: Rolling hills and valleys provide a challenging and scenic golf experience.
- Climate: Four distinct seasons offer a variety of playing conditions.
- Landscape: Mature trees and water hazards add to the beauty of the courses.
Tournament History:
- Notable Events: The Tulsa Open is a major amateur tournament held annually.
- Professional Tournaments: The Tulsa area has hosted several professional tournaments throughout the years.
- Championship Venues: The Classic at The Manor and Oak ఉన్నాయి have hosted major championships.
Golf Community:
- Local Golf Associations: Tulsa Area Golf Association (TAGA).
- Leagues: Numerous amateur leagues are available for golfers of all skill levels.
- Networking Opportunities: Attend tournaments and events to connect with other golfers.
Special Features
Golfer Profiles:
- Beginner: Sherwood Golf Course, St. James Golf Club
- Intermediate: Crow Valley Golf Course, Woodland Country Club
- Advanced: The Classic at The Manor, Oak ఉన్నాయి, Tulsa Country Club
Seasonal Pricing Guide:
- Peak Season (June-August): $100-$200+
- Shoulder Season (April-May & September-November): $70-$150
- Off-Season (December-March): $40-$80
Weather Contingencies:
- Indoor Facilities: Golf simulators, driving ranges, and practice facilities.
- Rainy Day Alternatives: Movie theaters, museums, and shopping centers.
Local Partnerships:
- Stay-and-Play Deals: Check with local hotels and resorts for packages.
- Group Discounts: Many courses offer discounts for groups of 12 or more.
Accessibility Notes:
- Crow Valley Golf Course: Offers accessible tees and carts.
- Woodland Country Club: Offers accessible tees and carts.
Disclaimer: Course prices and availability are subject to change. Please check the course websites for the most up-to-date information.
Resources:
- Tulsa Area Golf Association (TAGA): https://www.tagagolf.com/
- GolfNow: https://www.golfnow.com/
- Course Websites: Links provided throughout the guide.
This guide is designed to be a comprehensive resource for golfers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We hope you enjoy your round!