Oklahoma is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States, with top-notch designs that offer a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. GOLF’s rigorous ratings process for the Top 100 Courses in the U.S. and Top 100 Courses You Can Play rankings involved over 100 expert panelists who identified the best golf courses in every state, including Oklahoma. From historic courses like Southern Hills in Tulsa to university courses like Karsten Creek in Stillwater, there is no shortage of top-notch options to choose from in the state.
Southern Hills in Tulsa is a standout course with a rich history, having hosted three U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships. Designed by Perry Maxwell during the Depression era, the course has undergone significant changes over the years, including a renovation by Gil Hanse that has received rave reviews. The layout of the course is characterized by undulating terrain and strategically placed bunkers, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience for golfers. The recent 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills showcased the evolution of this classic course.
Karsten Creek in Stillwater is another top-ranked course in Oklahoma, known for its challenging layout and scenic surroundings. Built for Oklahoma State University’s golf program at the request of Ping founder Karsten Solheim, the course features deep wooded corridors, forced carries, and small, slick greens that test golfers’ skills. The course has produced notable professional players like Rickie Fowler and Viktor Hovland, who honed their skills on its challenging layout. A recent renovation by Andrew Green has further elevated the reputation of Karsten Creek as a premier golf destination.
In addition to Southern Hills and Karsten Creek, Oklahoma is home to other top golf courses like Oak Tree National in Edmond, Dornick Hills in Ardmore, and Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club in Nichols Hills. These courses offer a variety of challenges and settings for golfers to enjoy, from tree-lined fairways to scenic water features. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a championship-caliber course or a casual player seeking a more laid-back experience, Oklahoma has something for everyone.
GOLF’s rankings are based on the input of a diverse panel of expert golfers from around the world, each with a keen eye for course architecture and design. The panelists consider a wide range of factors when evaluating courses, including layout, conditioning, difficulty, and overall playing experience. This comprehensive approach ensures that the rankings reflect the best courses in each state and provide valuable insights for golfers looking to plan their next golfing adventure.
To assist golfers in finding the best courses for their next trip, GOLF has developed a Course Finder tool that allows users to search for courses based on various criteria, including price, location, and course type. Whether you’re looking for a top-ranked public course, a value course, or a scenic par-3 layout, the Course Finder can help you create the perfect itinerary for your golfing getaway. With GOLF’s comprehensive rankings and tools, planning your next golf trip has never been easier.
In conclusion, Oklahoma offers a diverse array of top-ranked golf courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels and preferences. From historic championship courses to challenging university layouts, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Sooner State. Whether you’re a local resident looking to explore new courses or a visitor planning a golfing vacation, Oklahoma’s courses are sure to impress. With GOLF’s expert rankings and tools, you can easily discover the best courses in Oklahoma and create an unforgettable golfing experience. Plan your next golf trip to Oklahoma and experience the best the state has to offer on the fairways and greens of its top-ranked courses.
