Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, OK is a private, member-owned golf and country club known for its championship pedigree, elite-level course design, and invitation-only access.
If you're hoping to play or join, you'll need a member connection, significant financial commitment, and patience with the waitlist—keep reading for a full breakdown of the club’s history, layout, amenities, and how to gain access.
A Storied Beginning: Origins and Development
Southern Hills Country Club didn’t just appear on the national golf stage—it was built there, step by step, through strategic vision, architectural excellence, and a commitment to providing a complete club experience.
Its roots go deep into both the history of Tulsa and the evolution of American golf, and understanding where it started helps explain why it holds such prestige today.
Vision Born from Crisis
The club was founded in 1935, in the thick of the Great Depression—a time when few had the means or confidence to invest in such an ambitious project.
But Waite Phillips, an oil tycoon and philanthropist, donated the land that made it all possible.
His donation wasn’t just about golf; it was about creating a long-term recreational hub for the Tulsa community.
Facilities Launched from the Start
From the beginning, Southern Hills aimed to be more than a golf course.
When the doors opened in 1936, it already featured:
- A stately clubhouse that became the club’s social heart
- Outdoor tennis courts for casual and competitive play
- A full-sized swimming pool for members and families
- Horse stables and a polo field—showcasing the club’s original, broader lifestyle ambitions
- A skeet shooting range, reflecting the more rustic and diverse interests of its early membership
This range of offerings gave the club a uniquely complete feel even from the outset, attracting a base of affluent members and setting the tone for its future exclusivity.
The Perry Maxwell Blueprint
The centerpiece was always the golf course.
Perry Maxwell, one of the era’s most respected golf course architects, designed the original 18-hole Championship Course.
It officially opened in May 1936. Maxwell was known for using the natural contours of the land instead of reshaping it—a principle clearly reflected in Southern Hills’ rolling layout and creek-crossed fairways.
This design would go on to define the playing style the course demands: cerebral, strategic, and precise.
Evolution and Expansion
Southern Hills has never stood still.
While the original 18 holes remain the crown jewel, the club has invested in key expansions and restorations over the years to stay relevant on the national stage:
- 1992: The club added the “West Nine,” a separate 9-hole layout designed by the celebrated team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This addition allowed for greater variety in member play and flexible routing for events.
- 2019: A full restoration of the Championship Course was undertaken by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Their work focused on restoring Maxwell’s original vision—reviving green contours, reintroducing exposed creeks, and enhancing the overall challenge and strategy of the course to align with modern tournament standards.
These updates helped Southern Hills maintain its status as a top-tier host venue while ensuring the course remains enjoyable and fair for members in everyday play.
Course Architecture and Playing Experience
At Southern Hills, the architecture isn’t just scenic—it’s strategic.
Every feature, from the routing to the bunkering, is designed to challenge your thinking as much as your swing, rewarding precision and punishing carelessness.
Whether you're walking the storied Championship Course or trying out the West Nine, understanding the layout can dramatically change how you play—and how much you enjoy it.
The Championship Course: Strategic and Demanding
The main draw at Southern Hills is the Championship Course, a par‑71 layout (converted to par‑70 during major championships) that stretches approximately 7,481 yards.
With a course rating of 78.2 and a slope of 142, this is not your average country club course.
It’s long, unforgiving, and intentionally built to test every club in the bag.
What sets this course apart is how it uses the natural land.
Perry Maxwell’s original routing follows the site’s rolling terrain and incorporates a network of creeks that appear just often enough to mess with your rhythm.
The greens, especially after the 2019 restoration, are subtle and deceptively fast.
It’s rarely about raw distance here—it’s about knowing where to miss and when to play safe.
The 2019 renovation by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner was about more than aesthetics.
Their work re-exposed original creek beds, sharpened Maxwell’s green contours, and reinstated bunkers that had been softened or removed over the years.
The goal was to bring back the thought-provoking, positional golf that Maxwell was known for—and it worked.
Today, the course plays firmer and faster, and precision is more important than ever.
For first-timers or infrequent visitors, a caddie is practically essential.
Many of the challenges—like false fronts on greens or slight elevation shifts—aren’t obvious from the tee.
Caddies can guide your club selection, help you read putts affected by restored green tiers, and keep you away from the kind of mistakes that don't show up on yardage books.
The West Nine: Versatility and Variety
The West Nine, added in 1992 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, offers something different.
It’s a shorter layout at par‑35, just under 3,000 yards, with a course rating of 36.3.
While not as grand in scale as the Championship Course, it brings a refreshing change of pace.
It’s excellent for a quicker round, sharpening your short game, or accommodating players who may find the Championship layout a bit overwhelming.
Members use it to mix up weekly play or to create unique 27-hole formats.
It also provides more flexibility for practice rounds and lower-pressure matches, but it still reflects the same design integrity found across the property.
Signature Holes You Should Know
Some holes at Southern Hills have built reputations of their own, often because of dramatic tournament moments or architectural brilliance:
- 12th Hole: A 458–461-yard dogleg-left par‑4 that crosses a creek and ends with a green guarded by three bunkers. It’s been praised by legends like Ben Hogan and Arnold Palmer for its balance of difficulty and design purity. One poor decision here can turn into a double bogey quickly.
- 6th Hole: Playing between 200–226 yards, this downhill par‑3 looks stunning but punishes anything short or off-line. Water in front, saucer bunkers surrounding—Angel Cabrera famously found disaster here during the 2007 PGA Championship, showing just how quickly things can unravel.
- 18th Hole: Stretching up to 491 yards, this uphill par‑4 is a dramatic finisher. With a creek and bunkers protecting the green, and the clubhouse looming behind it, the hole demands both length and control. It’s seen some of the most memorable closes in major history.
Play with Strategy, Not Just Strength
What ties it all together is Southern Hills’ emphasis on course management.
Whether you’re navigating creeks, handling slick green speeds, or choosing how aggressive to be off the tee, smart decisions tend to outperform brute force.
It’s not the kind of course where you can rely on recovery shots—mistakes compound quickly here.
Whether you're preparing for a guest round or just watching the next major on TV, understanding this layout’s demands adds a deeper appreciation.
It’s a thinking player’s course from the first tee to the final putt.
Championship Pedigree: Tournaments and Historic Moments
Southern Hills isn’t just a private club with a beautiful layout—it’s a frequent stage for golf’s most iconic moments.
Few courses in the U.S. can claim the same level of major championship history, and even fewer have consistently tested the best players in the world over so many decades.
A Proven Host for the Game’s Biggest Events
Southern Hills has played host to eight major championships—a distinction that places it in rare company.
These include:
- Three U.S. Opens: 1958, 1977, and 2001
- Five PGA Championships: 1970, 1982, 1994, 2007, and 2022
That’s more PGA Championships than any other course in history.
And it’s not done yet—the club is already confirmed to host its sixth PGA in 2032.
Each event added a chapter to the course’s legacy.
Players, commentators, and fans alike have come to expect that when a major is scheduled at Southern Hills, the outcome won’t come easy.
The course layout, conditioning, and atmosphere work together to demand not just skill but decision-making under pressure.
Legendary Wins and Notable Moments
Many of golf’s biggest names have etched their stories into Southern Hills.
In 1970, Dave Stockton won the PGA Championship here, using strategic precision rather than overpowering the course.
In 2001, Retief Goosen took the U.S. Open in a playoff, bouncing back from missed short putts and outlasting his competition under immense pressure.
Then came Tiger Woods in 2007, winning his 13th major at the time, delivering a masterclass in course control.
More recently, in 2022, Justin Thomas stormed from seven shots back to claim his second PGA Championship title in a playoff—a vivid reminder of how volatile and dramatic a Sunday at Southern Hills can be.
But not all the memories are triumphant. The course is also known for unraveling top players.
A well-known example: Angel Cabrera’s collapse on the par‑3 6th hole in 2007, where a poor shot into the water set the tone for a disastrous round.
Southern Hills has a way of exposing weaknesses, even in elite fields.
Championship Conditions That Demand the Best
What makes the course such a consistent host? It’s the setup.
Southern Hills offers championship-caliber conditions even outside of major events, but during a tournament, everything tightens up:
- Greens are firm and fast, especially after the 2019 restoration
- Tee placements stretch the course to its limits without feeling forced
- Hazards—especially creeks and bunkers—are positioned to punish indecision or poor shot execution
These features demand what commentators often call “major-winning golf”—not just execution, but resilience and smart risk-taking.
Spectators and players alike know that no lead is safe and no hole is automatic.
National Recognition and Competitive Reputation
The accolades match the pedigree.
Southern Hills has long been ranked among America’s Top 100 golf courses, reaching as high as #8 nationally in the 1990s.
While course rankings fluctuate, it currently holds strong around #28 nationally and remains firmly #1 in Oklahoma.
That consistent recognition reflects not only the challenge and design of the course but also the club’s ability to host world-class events with precision and professionalism.
For visitors, whether attending a championship or just walking the grounds during practice rounds, understanding this tournament history adds depth to the experience.
You’re not just seeing a golf course—you’re witnessing where legends made their mark, sometimes in glory, sometimes in heartbreak.
Club Amenities Beyond the Greens
While Southern Hills is best known for championship golf, the club is designed to serve as a full-service retreat for its members—year-round.
From tennis courts to fitness facilities to dining, it offers a complete lifestyle experience that goes well beyond the fairways.
Resort-Style Pool Complex
The club’s pool area is more than a place to cool off—it’s a social hub in the warmer months.
There are two main pools: a lap pool for fitness-oriented swimmers and an activity pool suited for families and casual relaxation.
Members can attend swim programs, enjoy poolside food and beverage service, or simply lounge in a quiet, well-kept setting that maintains the club’s upscale atmosphere.
Tennis Facilities for All Levels
Tennis is taken seriously here, with 12 courts in total—8 outdoor and 4 indoor—giving members year-round access regardless of weather.
The setup supports casual games, leagues, private lessons, and junior tennis programs.
Court availability is generally reliable thanks to the number of surfaces, and instruction is available for players at all skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Fitness and Wellness That Rivals a Boutique Gym
The fitness center is modern and thoughtfully equipped, offering a range of cardio machines, strength training areas, and functional training zones.
But the real benefit comes from the staffed services—you’ll find personal trainers, rehab and recovery specialists, and a calendar of group classes such as yoga, pilates, and strength circuits.
For members looking to maintain an active lifestyle beyond golf, it’s a major value-add that’s integrated into the overall club culture.
Golf Learning and Practice Areas
For those focused on improving their game, Southern Hills has extensive golf instruction facilities.
Members can access personalized lessons, swing analysis tools, and short-game practice zones designed to mirror on-course challenges.
The pro shop is well-stocked with equipment, apparel, and expert staff, making it easy to gear up with high-quality products and advice.
It’s a complete system built not just for playing golf, but for steadily getting better at it.
Dining and Social Environment
Dining at Southern Hills combines exclusivity with approachability.
Multiple dining spaces offer everything from formal dinners to more relaxed meals after a round.
Seasonal menus, wine pairings, and club-hosted events create a calendar that keeps members engaged throughout the year.
It’s not just about food—it’s about belonging to a space that feels both private and community-driven.
A Cohesive Member Experience
What makes the amenities truly stand out isn’t just the individual offerings, but how seamlessly they fit together.
Whether you're spending a Saturday on the courts, recovering with a trainer, dining with friends, or helping your kids take swim lessons, every part of the experience reflects the club’s attention to detail and its commitment to member satisfaction.
For families, retirees, and working professionals alike, Southern Hills functions as a second home—a place that’s equal parts elegant, active, and socially engaging.
Membership: Costs, Access, and How to Get In
Southern Hills Country Club isn’t just exclusive—it’s intentionally selective.
Membership here is about more than just paying fees; it’s about being part of a private community that values tradition, reputation, and connection.
If you're considering joining, understanding the process and setting realistic expectations is key.
Private Means Private—No Public Play
The club is not open to the public in any form.
There are no pay-to-play opportunities, no one-day trial rounds, and no seasonal public tee times.
If you want to play the course, you either need to be a member or be invited as a guest by one.
Even then, guest access is limited and subject to availability.
For non-members, attending a major championship or official event is the closest most people will come to setting foot on the property—unless they’re actively networking to join.
The Financial Investment
Membership at Southern Hills comes with a substantial financial commitment.
Initiation fees generally start around $30,000 and can reach well above $130,000, depending on your category of membership, timing, and referral situation.
These figures are not publicly published and can change, but they’re consistent with other elite private clubs across the country.
In addition to the initiation fee, members are responsible for annual dues, which cover course access, facility use, and general club services.
These dues vary depending on membership type (e.g., full golf, junior, social), and additional costs can arise from dining minimums, lessons, caddie fees, or event participation.
Gaining Access: A Relationship-Driven Process
Unlike many clubs that have waiting lists open to the public, Southern Hills’ path to membership starts with relationships.
You’ll need to be sponsored by a current member, and not just casually—they’ll need to endorse you formally, often alongside additional co-sponsors or references.
From there, expect a vetting process that may involve interviews, background checks, and an evaluation by the membership committee.
This isn’t just about your financial readiness—it’s about cultural fit and reputation within the Tulsa community or broader golf circles.
For those new to the area or without direct connections, this is where patience and strategy come in.
Getting involved with the local golf scene—through charity tournaments, networking events, or regional business groups—can be a good way to meet current members and build rapport over time.
Many new members are referred through professional or social relationships that develop organically over months or years.
Guest Access and Playing Opportunities
If you're not a member (yet) but want to experience the course, your best shot is through a guest invitation.
These are usually extended for a single round and must be arranged directly through a member.
Guests must be accompanied by the member in most cases and are expected to adhere to strict dress and behavior codes.
Another alternative is attending a major tournament as a spectator.
While you won’t play, you’ll get to see the grounds up close and experience the championship atmosphere.
Some hospitality packages during major events also include limited clubhouse access, which can offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the club's culture and facilities.
Be Prepared and Be Patient
If you're serious about pursuing membership, go into it knowing this: it’s a long game.
Between the financial requirements, social introductions, and waitlist logistics, it could take months—or even years—to be approved.
But for many who join, the value isn’t just in playing a world-class course.
It’s in becoming part of a close-knit, prestigious community with access to one of the most storied clubs in American golf.
How to Visit or Prepare for Your Round
Getting a chance to play or even visit Southern Hills Country Club is no small feat—but with the right approach, it’s possible.
Whether you’re aiming to land a guest round or planning to attend a tournament, preparation is key to making the most of your time on this historic course.
Securing a Visit: Your Options
The most direct—and realistically, only—way to play Southern Hills is through a member invitation.
The club does not accept outside tee time bookings or non-member play, so knowing someone inside the community is essential.
If you're offered a round as a guest, it’s not just a casual invite—treat it as a rare privilege and plan accordingly.
For those without a connection, attending a major championship is your next best opportunity to access the property.
Events like the PGA Championship or U.S. Open offer a behind-the-ropes glimpse into the course’s layout, atmosphere, and tournament-level setup.
Many tournaments include hospitality packages with clubhouse access, food and beverage service, and premium seating.
These don’t get you on the tee box, but they do offer a rich experience of the club’s energy and elegance.
What to Know Before You Play
If you do get invited to play, preparation will make a big difference in how well you perform—and enjoy the round.
Start by studying the course’s most impactful holes:
- Hole 6: A downhill par‑3 over water, where club selection and distance control are critical.
- Hole 12: A dogleg-left par‑4 with water and bunkers that demand precise tee placement.
- Hole 18: A long, uphill finisher that punishes misjudged approach shots and plays longer than the number suggests.
These holes are not just difficult—they’re the ones most likely to make or break your score, especially if nerves come into play.
Bring gear suited for firm, fast greens, especially post-2019 restoration.
The surfaces at Southern Hills are known for their subtle breaks and speed, so wedges with good spin control and a reliable putter will go a long way.
You should also be prepared for uneven lies and rolling fairways—the course doesn’t offer many flat stances.
Use drone flyovers, official course books, and major tournament coverage to study the routing and hazard placements.
Visual familiarity ahead of time will help you commit to shots more confidently on the course.
Local Knowledge is Key: Hire a Caddie
One of the most overlooked—but most valuable—ways to improve your experience is to take advantage of the club’s caddie program.
Southern Hills caddies are well-versed in the layout’s intricacies, especially after the restoration altered bunker positions and reopened creek lines.
They’ll help with club selection, green reads, and even guidance on where not to miss.
If you’re debating whether to carry your own bag or ride, choosing a caddie is the smarter route—especially for a one-time visit.
It allows you to focus on strategy and shot-making without the distraction of navigation or guesswork.
Conclusion
Southern Hills Country Club is more than just a golf course—it’s a private, world-renowned venue shaped by history, architecture, and championship tradition.
Whether you're aiming to play, join, or simply understand what makes it special, knowing how the club operates is essential.
With the right connections and preparation, experiencing Southern Hills is both possible and worth the effort.
