Brian Oar
Gary Kellner/PGA of America/Getty Images
Brian Oar
Brian Oar
Andy Johnson/Courtesy of Southern Hills
Southern Hills marks a new era of more dynamic major-championship setups (the par-4 fourth).
Brian Oar
Players will have to decide how far to press their luck with drives on the par-4 third.
Brian Oar
Southern Hills Country Club
Southern Hills Country Club
2636 E 61st St
Tulsa, OK 74136-1207
United States
Overview
A product of the Great Depression and constructed by hundreds of workers who stood at the gate each morning hoping for a 25-cents-per-hour job that day, Southern Hills is architect Perry Maxwell’s great achievement. Nearly every hole bends left or right, posing critical tee shots that must risk something. The putting surfaces have the classic “Maxwell Rolls,” and most are guarded by simple yet effective bunkers. During the summer of 2018, architect Gil Hanse and crew rebuilt much of the course, in the process re-establishing Maxwell’s distinctive, gnarly-edged bunkering and reconstructing the green shoulders that had been built up over the years. Hanse's changes were on display at the 2022 PGA Championship, and the club will host the event for a sixth time in 2032.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest: Ranked since 1966.
Highest ranking: 8th, 1993-'94.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 28th.
Best in State: Ranked first since 1983.
2025-'26 ranking: 1st.
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Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The changes that Gil Hanse made to the golf course really opened up areas of the golf course returning a lot of it back to the original design by Perry Maxwell. Southern Hills is a true Central America Treasure."
Read More2025
Review
“From the moment one steps up to the first tee box, the character of the course, which is almost entirely visible, becomes extremely apparent. The elevated tee provides a visual pathway into what the golfer is going to have to endure. The creek meandering through the course, on almost every hole, allows for the challenge of the course to be tamed by a serene slowness created by the water that flows through it. The golfer’s eye angle is constantly changed and challenged from elavated tee shots to approaches that require a carry over water, or a shot that needs to find the correct side of a dogleg away from the trees. This is no more apparent than staring down the 13th fairway, yet looking directly at the 16th green. The shared fairway between the holes creates a fascinating illusion to an unsuspecting player. Although the sand in the bunkers could use a little upgrade, the greens were excellent. They were soft, but fast and true. The fairways had plenty of run and there wasn’t a blade of grass out of place on them. It was like hitting off fine carpet. Each hole provided its own unique experience and challenge, but when added together 18 times, it made for a course that was fair and fun to play."
Read More2025
Review
“Historic course with an unreal setting. An absolute must visit if given the opportunity"
Read More2025
Review
“A Donald Ross classic ready to host a major tournament at any time. This is a true championship layout an wonderful clubhouse on the hill overlooking Tulsa."
Read More2025
Review
“A Donald Ross classic ready to host a major tournament at any time. This is a true championship layout an wonderful clubhouse on the hill overlooking Tulsa."
Read More2025
Review
“Arguably one of the best inland courses in the country. Classic and timeless layout that is challenging yet fair. Asks you to hit every shot and punishes misses."
Read More2025
Review
“Challenging, hard and fun."
Read More2025
Review
“Superb firm and fast layout. Planning and positioning are at a premium all over this property."
Read More2025
Review
“Firm and fast fairways that roll out nicely. This is a course that I would love to play daily. The entire staff was very welcoming as hosts. I mean everyone to the greeters, to the cart staff, and caddy. I loved playing with existing members that added to the experience. Unique characteristics to the course make this layout a timeless gem. The clubhouse adds to the ambience."
Read More2024
Review
“A position golf course due to the trees, sand, and water. Quick fairways and receptive speedy greens. Elevation changes especially on the first and eighteenth holes."
Read More2023