Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club holds a rich history that dates back over 100 years and is deeply intertwined with the legacy of renowned golf architect Perry Maxwell. The club was originally founded in 1911 by 300 residents of Oklahoma City and has since undergone significant growth and relocation to its current location in Nichols Hills, a suburb north of the city. Maxwell, who was making a name for himself in the 1920s, played a crucial role in designing the golf course at the club in 1929, with assistance from Alister MacKenzie.
Maxwell’s design at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club has stood the test of time and continues to be revered as one of the most storied courses in the state. A recent renovation completed in 2020 by Trip Davis and Associates revitalized the course with improvements to greens, bunkers, and overall course design. The restoration work aimed to preserve Maxwell’s original vision while enhancing the playability and strategic elements of the course.
The layout of Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club showcases Maxwell’s signature design principles, utilizing natural contours, rolling hills, tree-lined fairways, and water features to create a challenging and picturesque course. The course features unique elements such as holes 10-14, which are accessible through a tunnel and offer strategic challenges for players. Notable holes include the par-4 12th, the boomerang-shaped par-5 13th, and the narrow par-4 14th with its intricate bunkering.
The closing stretch of holes at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club presents a formidable challenge for players, with strategic bunkering and tricky green complexes testing their skills. The club has a history of hosting prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur, Trans-Mississippi Amateur, Women’s Southern Open, and U.S. Open qualifiers. In 2022, the club will host the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball tournament, further solidifying its reputation as a top-tier golf destination.
The upcoming Jackson T. Stephens Cup will bring some of the best college players in the country to Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, offering them the chance to experience the beauty and challenge of a Perry Maxwell masterpiece. With its rich history, beautiful design, and challenging layout, the club continues to be a beacon for golf enthusiasts and players looking to test their skills on a course steeped in tradition and architectural significance.
