About the Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission
The Oklahoma Golf Trail Commission was established to promote the state’s public and private courses, elevate tourism and honor the sport’s deep Oklahoma roots. Through curated experiences, cultural exchange and course partnerships, the Commission connects visitors with the soul of Oklahoma golf — from Maxwell’s masterpieces to modern marvels.
With a mission to showcase the Sooner State’s vibrant culture and golf amenities, the Commission is crafting a trail that’s more than a journey — it’s a pilgrimage for golf lovers. Whether you’re chasing a scratch score or just soaking up the views, the Oklahoma Golf Trail invites you to walk where legends once stood.
Frontier Fairways
Perry Maxwell and the Rise of Oklahoma Golf
Oklahoma’s golf legacy begins with the revolutionary designs of Perry Maxwell — architect, visionary and one of the most influential figures in American golf course design. Known as the “Father of Oklahoma Golf,” Maxwell took the rolling prairies, rugged limestone outcroppings and windswept plateaus of his home state and sculpted them into strategic, poetic courses that still test and thrill players nearly a century later.
From the revered greens of Southern Hills in Tulsa to the quiet brilliance of Dornick Hills in Ardmore — his very first design — Maxwell’s courses reflect his genius for minimalism and movement. Rather than impose artificial features, he let the land speak, believing nature itself was the best architect. His signature undulating greens, natural bunkering and flowing routings became the blueprint for Oklahoma golf and influenced iconic designers like Alister MacKenzie, with whom Maxwell later partnered.
Maxwell’s belief in working with the land — not against it — ushered in a golden era of golf course architecture in Oklahoma. His work didn’t just shape fairways; it shaped the culture of golf across the region. From sandlot beginnings to national acclaim, the courses he built gave rise to a deep and enduring love for the game.
Today, his legacy lives on in every tee box, fairway and green that dares to challenge and inspire. Oklahoma’s golfing spirit — resilient, refined and rooted in the land — can be traced back to Maxwell’s timeless vision.
Frontier Fairways
Perry Maxwell and the Rise of Oklahoma Golf
Oklahoma’s golf legacy begins with the revolutionary designs of Perry Maxwell — architect, visionary and one of the most influential figures in American golf course design. Known as the “Father of Oklahoma Golf,” Maxwell took the rolling prairies, rugged limestone outcroppings and windswept plateaus of his home state and sculpted them into strategic, poetic courses that still test and thrill players nearly a century later.
From the revered greens of Southern Hills in Tulsa to the quiet brilliance of Dornick Hills in Ardmore — his very first design — Maxwell’s courses reflect his genius for minimalism and movement. Rather than impose artificial features, he let the land speak, believing nature itself was the best architect. His signature undulating greens, natural bunkering and flowing routings became the blueprint for Oklahoma golf and influenced iconic designers like Alister MacKenzie, with whom Maxwell later partnered.
Maxwell’s belief in working with the land — not against it — ushered in a golden era of golf course architecture in Oklahoma. His work didn’t just shape fairways; it shaped the culture of golf across the region. From sandlot beginnings to national acclaim, the courses he built gave rise to a deep and enduring love for the game.
Today, his legacy lives on in every tee box, fairway and green that dares to challenge and inspire. Oklahoma’s golfing spirit — resilient, refined and rooted in the land — can be traced back to Maxwell’s timeless vision.
Sooner State Golf History
Perry Maxwell builds his first course in Ardmore: Dornick Hills, setting the foundation for golf in Oklahoma.
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Oklahoma State alum Bob Tway wins the PGA Championship, becoming one of the state’s most iconic golf figures.
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Southern Hills hosts the PGA Championship for a third time, continuing its tradition as a championship-caliber venue.
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Tiger Woods wins the PGA Championship at Southern Hills, his 13th major title and the fourth PGA held at the course.
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The University of Oklahoma wins the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship led by Brad Dalke and Max McGreevy, solidifying its place among elite college programs.
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Oklahoma Golf Heroes
Oklahoma has produced champions who’ve shaped the game on the world stage. Check out this who’s who of Oklahoma golf legends.
Charlie Coe was born in Ardmore and became one of the most celebrated amateurs in golf history. A two-time U.S. Amateur champion, three-time conference champion at Oklahoma and runner-up at the 1961 Masters, Coe’s legacy lives on as a symbol of sportsmanship and Oklahoma pride.
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Quade Cummins, a Weatherford native and University of Oklahoma standout, earned All-American honors and helped lead the Sooners to national prominence. With 6 top 10s in the Korn Ferry Tour, he secured his PGA Tour card in 2025.
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Austin Eckroat won the Class 6A state championship as a freshman and as a senior at Edmond North. A key part of OSU’s 2018 NCAA championship team and now a rising star on the PGA Tour, already with two wins and a runner-up finish.
Danny and David Edwards, brothers from Edmond who starred at OSU. Danny won five times on the PGA Tour, David four. Both are in the Oklahoma Golf Hall of Fame.
Rickie Fowler was a former OSU All-American in 2007-08. He is known for his orange Sunday outfits and five PGA Tour wins, including the 2015 Players Championship.
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Bill Glasson came to ORU from Fresno, Calif. His tenacity led to a 20+ year PGA Tour career, seven wins and more than 20 surgeries. He now lives in Stillwater and teaches golf.
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Talor Gooch, born in Midwest City, played at OSU. He won the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic in 2021, joined LIV Golf, and had two wins in 2023.
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Mark Hayes, a Stillwater native, had a standout junior career as a two-time first-team All-American at OSU. He won three PGA Tour events, including the 1977 Players Championship. He was a member of the 1979 Ryder Cup team.
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Mike Holder is an Ardmore native, former OSU player and legendary coach. He won the Big 12 title in 1970, led OSU to eight national titles as coach, and helped develop Karsten Creek.
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Viktor Hovland, a Norwegian star and Oak Tree National member, led OSU to the 2018 NCAA Championship. He won the 2023 Tour Championship and FedEx Cup, and has seven PGA Tour wins.
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Nancy Lopez was recruited to TU from New Mexico. She won 11 of 19 events as a freshman, including the AIAW National Championship. She went on to win 48 times on the LPGA Tour, becoming a legend in women’s golf.
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Patty McGraw Coatney was a golf standout at Oklahoma State University. Between 1977 and 2001, she won the Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association State Amateur Championship a record nine times. She later coached the first women’s golf team at UCO, winning conference titles in her first two seasons.
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Max McGreevy was born in Edmond and played for OU’s 2017 national championship team. He has played on international tours and earned his PGA Tour card again for 2024-25.
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Dale McNamara started the University of Tulsa women’s golf program in 1974. She won the state amateur seven times and coached TU to 80 tournament wins and four national titles.
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Susie Maxwell Berning was raised in Oklahoma City under the tutelage of legendary Lincoln Park pro U.C. Ferguson. She was a dominant force in women’s golf. A three-time U.S. Women’s Open champion (1968, 1972, 1973), she also won 11 LPGA Tour titles in her 33-year career. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2021.
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Taylor Moore is a two-time state champ from Edmond Memorial and learned the game at KickingBird Golf. He starred at Arkansas and has one PGA Tour victory.
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Gil Morgan was born in Wewoka and educated at East Central State. He won 32 pro events across the PGA and Champions Tours and is a revered ball-striker.
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Stacy Prammanasudh made her mark early in Oklahoma golf, dominating the junior and high school circuits before starring at the University of Tulsa, where she was a four-time All-American and 10-time tournament winner. Known affectionately as “Stacy P”, she went on to play 13 seasons on the LPGA Tour, earning two victories, 30 top-10 finishes, and a spot on the 2007 Solheim Cup Team.
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Bill Spiller, born in Tishomingo and raised in Tulsa, was a tremendous golfer and civil rights trailblazer. He successfully fought to desegregate the PGA of America in 1960.
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Robert Streb is a Chickasha native, Edmond North grad and Kansas State alum. He joined the PGA Tour in 2013 and has two wins and 23 top-10 finishes.
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Doug Tewell is a Stillwater native and OSU alum. He has four PGA Tour wins and eight Champions Tour wins, including two majors.
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Bob Tway is a product of Oklahoma State’s powerhouse golf program. He has eight PGA Tour wins, including the 1986 PGA Championship with a legendary bunker shot finish.
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Kevin Tway, the son of PGA Champion Bob Tway, starred at Edmond North and OSU. He won the 2005 U.S. Junior Amateur and has one PGA Tour victory.
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Bo Van Pelt grew up in Indiana but lives in Tulsa. He is a former OSU golfer with one PGA Tour win and 53 top-10 finishes. He is now on the PGA Tour Champions.
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Scott Verplank, an OSU alum and Edmond resident, had a magnificent amateur career, winning the 1986 NCAA Championship, the 1984 U.S. Amateur at Oak Tree and the 1985 PGA Tour’s Western Open while still in school. As a pro he has won five times and played on two U.S. Ryder Cup teams.
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From Tee to Trophy:
Oklahoma’s Premier Golf Events
Oklahoma doesn’t just develop golfers — it hosts the game’s biggest moments. From major championships to elite amateur showdowns, the state has earned its place as a top-tier golf destination.
Southern Hills Country Club
This pillar of championship golf and a Perry Maxwell masterpiece has welcomed:
- Five PGA Championships
- 1970 (Dave Stockton), earning his first major title with clutch putting on Southern Hills’ fast greens.
- 1982 (Raymond Floyd), dominating the field with surgical precision and winning by three shots.
- 1994 (Nick Price), setting a then-record score of 269, solidifying his place among the greats.
- 2007 (Tiger Woods), capturing his 13th major title with a vintage display of control and composure.
- 2022 (Justin Thomas), storming back in a thrilling playoff to claim his second PGA Championship.
- Coming in 2032, Southern Hills Country Club will host for a record-setting 6th time.
- Three U.S. Opens
- 1958 (Tommy Bolt), the fiery Oklahoman won in front of a home-state crowd, mastering brutal conditions.
- 1977 (Hubert Green), triumphing amid extraordinary pressure, including a threat made during the final round.
- 2001 (Retief Goosen), conquering tough weather and the challenging layout to capture his first U.S. Open.
- Senior PGA Championship
- 2021 (Alex Cejka), marking the return of major competition to Tulsa prior to the 2022 PGA.
- U.S. Women’s Amateur
- 1946 (Babe Zaharias), one of the most iconic victories in women’s golf history.
- 1987 (Cindy Scholefield McConnell), a showcase of elite amateur talent.
- 2024 (Rianne Malixi), representing the future of global women’s golf.
- U.S. Junior Amateur
- 1953 (Rex Baxter), highlighting the rising stars of the next generation.
- U.S. Senior Amateur
- 1961 (Dexter Daniels), celebrating excellence in senior amateur competition.
- U.S. Amateur Championship
- 1965 (Bob Murphy), launching a storied career.
- 2009 (Ben An), showcasing the next generation of global golf talent.
- Tour Championship
- 1995–1996, then known as the season-ending event of the PGA Tour, hosted at Southern Hills before it moved permanently to East Lake.
- 1995 (Billy Mayfair), winning with steely consistency to cap off a career-best season.
- 1996 (Tom Lehman), storming to victory with a closing 67, cementing his place among the game’s elite.
- 1995–1996, then known as the season-ending event of the PGA Tour, hosted at Southern Hills before it moved permanently to East Lake.
Oak Tree National
This elite, player-owned course and architectural gem by Pete Dye has hosted:
- PGA Championship
- 1988 (Jeff Sluman), where Sluman fired a final-round 65 to capture his lone major.
- U.S. Amateur Championship
- 1984 (Scott Verplank), winning in front of a hometown crowd while still an Oklahoma State standout.
- Senior PGA Championship
- 2006 (Jay Haas), who prevailed after a gritty playoff against Brad Bryant.
- U.S. Senior Open
- 2014 (Colin Montgomerie), defeating Gene Sauers in a dramatic three-hole aggregate playoff.
- 2027, Hosting the upcoming U.S. Senior Open, continuing Oak Tree’s championship tradition.
- PGA Professional National Championship
- 2000 (Tim Thelen), where storms shortened the event but didn’t dim Thelen’s playoff victory.
- Trans-Mississippi Amateur
- 2012 (Tyler Raber), where top amateurs tested their skills on one of Dye’s most challenging layouts.
- Oklahoma State Amateur Championship
- 2015 (Brendon Jelley), crowning a local star at one of the state’s toughest venues.
- Oak Tree National Pro-Scratch Invitational
- A showcase of elite pro-amateur pairings, dominated in recent years by Oak Tree’s own Viktor Hovland.
- 2022 (Viktor Hovland & Ian Davis)
- 2023 (Viktor Hovland & Ian Davis)
- A showcase of elite pro-amateur pairings, dominated in recent years by Oak Tree’s own Viktor Hovland.
Other Notable Venues and Events Across Oklahoma
- Karsten Creek Golf Club (Stillwater), a premier collegiate venue and home course to Oklahoma State University’s powerhouse golf program.
- 2003, 2011, and 2018 – NCAA Division I Men’s Championships, drawing the nation’s top teams.
- Hosted Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Championships, showcasing elite collegiate talent.
- Hosted USGA Qualifying Events, including U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur qualifiers, testing the next generation of champions.
- Hosted AJGA and Junior National Events, serving as a launchpad for future collegiate and professional stars.
- The Patriot Golf Club (Owasso), a blend of championship golf and philanthropy, serving as the headquarters of Folds of Honor.
- 2025 – Will host the Compliance Solutions Championship (Korn Ferry Tour), bringing rising stars to Oklahoma.
- Cedar Ridge Country Club (Broken Arrow), a storied championship venue with a rich history across professional and amateur golf.
- 1983 – U.S. Women’s Open, won by Jan Stephenson.
- 2004-2008 – SemGroup Championship on the LPGA Tour.
- 2023 – LPGA’s Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
- 2023 – Hosted a LIV Golf event, adding an international spotlight.
- Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club (Norman), the University of Oklahoma’s home course and a frequent site for top amateur and professional events.
- 2009 – U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.
- Regularly hosts NCAA Regional Championships and U.S. Amateur qualifiers.
- 2023-2024 – Compliance Solutions Championship (Korn Ferry Tour), showcasing future PGA Tour talent.
- Tulsa Country Club (Tulsa), a classic A.W. Tillinghast design, revitalized by Rees Jones and steeped in championship tradition.
- 2001-2003 – LPGA’s Williams Championship, won by Gloria Park, Annika Sorenstam, and Karrie Webb respectively.
- 2008 – U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur.
- 2014 – Women’s NCAA Championship.
- 2015 – U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
From storied majors to grassroots events, Oklahoma is shaping the future of golf one championship at a time.
Great drives start here.
Test your skills and make lifelong memories on a golf trip you’ll never forget.
