Best Public Golf Courses in Tulsa OK

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I haven’t spent a whole lot of time in Tulsa, but the few days I was there I most certainly remember.  It was the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills when Tiger won.  One of the most memorable experiences of my golfing life was watching the greatest player of our generation shoot 63 in the third round on Saturday.  At the time, he tied the lowest score in major championship history.

All that being said, I haven’t played golf in Tulsa myself.  A lot of our Golfer’s Authority readers have though.  And they were all too eager to share their thoughts about the best public golf in their city.  I was more than happy to be their voice.

Nestled among mature oak trees, Meadowbrook Country Club offers golfers a traditional layout and exciting greens, making it a sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels.

When you tee off at Meadowbrook Country Club, you can expect an authentic golfing game with the romantic backdrop of mature oak trees lining the fairways. The greens here are renowned for their speed and level of difficulty, providing a true test for golfers of any skill level.

Hosting prestigious events like the Oklahoma State Amateur and Oklahoma Senior Stroke Play Championship, Meadowbrook Country Club has established itself as a top-tier course, showcasing its quality and reputation.

The club opens its doors to the public during certain times, allowing golf enthusiasts to enjoy the classic design and challenging play.

If you’re visiting Tulsa and looking for a golfing experience that combines tradition and challenge, Meadowbrook Country Club is a must-visit public course.

 

If you’ve enjoyed the classic design and challenge of Meadowbrook Country Club, you’ll find a similarly engaging feel at Battle Creek Golf Course in Broken Arrow, just a short drive from downtown Tulsa.

This course, located only 15 minutes away from the city, offers a links-style layout with wide fairways and penal bunkers. The Greenway Preferred Turf Program ensures firm and fast playing conditions, adding an exciting challenge to your game. Successful round management is crucial here, so be prepared to strategize your shots.

Owned and operated by the city of Tulsa, Battle Creek Golf Course is open to the public during certain times, making it a convenient and accessible option for golf enthusiasts.

If you’re looking to explore other courses in the area, consider booking a tee time at Mohawk Park Golf Course, LaFortune Park Golf Course, or Southern Hills, home to the 1958 U.S. Open and 1970 PGA Championship.

Whether you’re a local looking for a new challenge or visiting from out of town, Battle Creek Golf Course promises a rewarding round of golf in the heart of Broken Arrow.

Looking for a golfing experience that offers character and nuance in the rolling hills north of Sand Springs? The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge, located in the Hills Country, is a public facility that boasts a challenging layout across its two courses. The rolling terrain and water hazards make for an engaging round of golf while providing stunning views.

Here are some key highlights of The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge:

• Unique Character: The course is known for its unique character and nuance, providing an exceptional golfing venture in the picturesque Hills Country.
• Challenging Layout: With water hazards and rolling terrain, the course offers an inspiring layout that will test your skills and provide an enjoyable round.
• Locally Inspired Food: After your game, you can enjoy locally inspired food at affordable prices at the golf club’s grill, making it a perfect place to unwind and socialize.
• Short Approach Shots: The fairways at The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge allow for short approach shots if played well, adding an element of strategy to the game.

The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable golfing tour in the Tulsa, OK area.

The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge offer a unique and engaging golfing experience.

Just a short drive away, you’ll find the exceptional Forest Ridge Golf Club in Broken Arrow.

Designed by Randy Heckenkemper, Forest Ridge Golf Club is celebrated for its outstanding playing conditions and challenging layout.

The course provides a stern test from the back tees and features world-class amenities, with special mention for its exceptional food offerings.

Located in Broken Arrow, this semi-private facility is open to the public during certain times, ensuring accessibility for all golf enthusiasts.

The club has tee times set aside for the public every day, making it convenient for visitors to taste its exceptional design and shot values.

For golfers seeking a memorable and rewarding round of golf, Forest Ridge Golf Club is a must-visit.

With its combination of excellent course conditions, elaborate layout, and accessibility, it promises an enjoyable and fulfilling golfing experience.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, this course is worth adding to your list of must-play public golf courses in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The city of Tulsa owns and operates a number of daily fee facilities.  Stone Creek is said to be the best. 

A modern design, this course was voted one of “America’s Top 50 Public Courses” the first year it opened.  That’s some lofty praise. 

The features here are large and visible.  Sight lines from the tees and into the greens are well-defined.  There’s no questioning where you’re supposed to hit it. 

The greens are large and undulating as well.  Getting around without any three-putts is a job well done.

We have to mention the scenery too.  Vistas of the surrounding countryside and city skyline make for a most pleasant experience.

One of the more challenging tracks in the area, choose the appropriate set of tees for the most enjoyment.

If an older, more traditional layout is your cup of tea, the Old Page Course at Page Belcher is calling your name. 

Having opened in 1977, this course is what you’d expect.  The fairways are narrow and lined by trees.  Accuracy and precision get you a lot further than length. 

The shot values into small greens are second to none.  The greens are well protected by water hazards and bunkers. 

This is quintessential American golf.  Good shots are rewarded, and poor shots penalized. 

A quality round at a reasonable price, Old Page is a great choice for a round.

Another city-run facility with a rich history is Woodbine at Mohawk Park.  The course dates back to the late 1920’s. 

Unlike a lot of older golf courses, Woodbine has wide fairways.  You can hit driver here comfortably. 

The greens are larger than you might expect too.  Hole locations can be tricky so make sure you leave your approach shots in the right spot. 

Water does come into play on a number of holes. Plan your strategy accordingly. 

The perfect blend of old and new, Woodbine has stood the test of time.

The Pecan Valley Course at Mohawk is an oldie but a goodie.  It doesn’t date quite as far back as the Woodbine Course, but the 1950’s design speaks to its era. 

This course has the features you’d expect of a layout its age.  The fairways are narrow, and you need to be able to hit different shots to get the ball in play.  There are more trees than you can count here, so hit it straight. 

Water is another prominent feature.  If it’s your first time playing here, locals suggest bringing an extra sleeve of balls just in case. 

A true thinking man’s course that will challenge your mind as much as your physical skills, Pecan Valley is a great barometer for your game.

The suburb of Jenks is home to South Lakes Golf Course.  This is a great spot to come if you want a relaxing, fun round of golf where you have a chance to shoot a good score.

The course isn’t long and is somewhat forgiving from tee to green.  With that being said, hazards and bunkers do come into play, so don’t think you can hit it just anywhere. 

South Lakes gets a lot of play.  No one is going to deny that.  However, the course conditions are superb, and pace of play moves right along.  For the fastest rounds, try playing early in the morning or during the week.

Fun, affordable, and friendly.  Those are the words our readers used to describe South Lakes.

There are two courses at LaFortune Park. 

The Championship Course has been a staple in the Tulsa rota since 1960.  True to the area, this is yet another traditional shot maker’s course.  Quality full shots are required off the tee and into the greens.  If you can execute this part of the equation, it’ll be reflected on the scorecard.

If you’re looking for something a little more casual, the par three course is kick in the pants.  Even better, you can play here after dark.  Stadium lighting gives you plenty of visibility and makes for a unique experience.

Both courses are in tip-top shape and a treat to play.  The experience at LaFortune Park is a complete one.

Conclusion

To this day, Tiger’s performance in the third round of the 2007 PGA Championship stands out in my mind as one of the greatest I’ve ever seen.

What I’ve come to realize though, is that the golf scene in Tulsa is vibrant.  There are plenty of quality public courses to choose from.  Most of them are quite affordable too.

I want to extend a warm thanks to all our Tulsa readers that made this article possible.  You’re clearly a passionate bunch and it’s not hard to see why.

If you have your own thoughts you’d like to share about public golf in Tulsa, please let us know in the comments below.