Moving to Tulsa...what CC's to look at for membership

[Jocephus1]

I'm moving to Tulsa, OK at the beginning of the year. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to find a new club and move my membership there and don't know where to start. Obviously I'm gonna play the courses before I finally decide, but I need to whittle down the list.

 

 

I'm in my mid-30's. Would like a course with a young, active membership base (for tourneys, family events, junior golf etc).

 

I just want a course that stays in good shape with good practice facilities. So far the only suggestions I have is MeadowBrook and Indian Springs.

 

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[nitram]

Tulsa CC, if you can afford it. Old school course that's 100 years old and top notch place. If I were to move back to Tulsa I'd join Forest Ridge. I just like it better than Indian Springs and Meadowbrook. The Oaks is in West Tulsa and was a younger crowd but I haven't played there since they made some course changes. You also have the Bailey Golf Ranch up in Owasso and it's a great track. If you'll take your time, you should find your niche. The golfer "around" Tulsa is afforded more good golf opportunities than anywhere else in the state. Hey, it ain't Myrtle Beach but........... And, it's a pretty d@mned good town to boot.

[shotmaker86]

Born and raised in Tulsa. I worked at Meadowbrook for about 2 years in high school and college. As far as the membership is concerned, they are very heavily golf oriented. By that, I mean that the large majority of members are avid golfers and not just social members. If you are looking for a game, there's plenty to be had. As far as social events are concerned, they have a "reasonable" amount of them for members, but as most corporate owned clubs go, the club is heavily used as a banquet facility. They're kitchen only stays open until 3pm, with breakfast being served on the weekends. The food is not what I would consider fine dining except for the various member dinner functions for Holidays and mixers. Given that the membership is mostly made up of golfaholics like ourselves, the staff becomes very familiar with all the members specific needs. The course is always in good shape. Due to the expansion of 81st street this past year, the original par 5 first hole had to be changed to a par 4, but it is still a challenging hoie. Obviously, if you're looking for the best golf course in Tulsa, then Southern Hills would be your best bet, but if you're looking for a challenging, but fun and affordable club with a golf oriented membership then Meadowbrook is certainly worth a look. As far as Indian Springs is concerned, they have two courses. One which is really short, and another full size course. They are both fun to play, but they both run right through neighborhoods, an apartment complex and some condominiums, which personally turns me off a bit. Also, not as nice as Meadowbrook. However, if anyone in your family is interested in tennis, they do have top rate tennis facilities. I don't know where exactly in Tulsa you're looking to move, but Indian Springs is actually in south Broken Arrow, which could be quite a drive from some places. Again, I don't know what kind of money you're looking to spend, but as mentioned above Tulsa CC is a great choice, as is The Oaks. Both are Tillinghast designs and although they're shorter courses, they are always in impeccable shape and always challenging. Golf Club of Oklahoma is another great course just south of Broken Arrow. Good sized, well maintained Fazio design. Great practice facilities as well. Definitely worth a look. Also, there are many nice public/semi private courses in the area worth checking out. Case and point, you have lots of options, so I'm sure you'll find the one that's right for you. Oh, and don't forget Cedar Ridge. Never played it, but they've hosted an LPGA event the last couple of years, so I imagine it's not half bad lol. As far as public/semi private courses are concerned, I should mention Emerald Falls, Forest Ridge, Clary Fields and Battle Creek as places to check out as well. Good luck with your search, and feel free to PM me with any questions as far as Tulsa golf, and or Tulsa itself are concerned.

-Andrew

[Brettasaurus]

I have been looking at different clubs for membership and I have narrowed it down to two. The first is Golf Club of Oklahoma. It is close by (for me) and I love the layout. It is a difficult course but the design is amazing. Due to the economy most clubs are offering specials and GCOK is no exception. Contact Lindsey Gaty for info but I was very happy with the quote for such a nice, private club with no tee times and a top notch clubhouse. The other finalist is Emerald Falls. Emerald is a semi-private facility and there is no initiation fee nor any food and beverage minimum. I love the course at Emerald but there would be more weekend, public traffic to deal with. I also looked into Cedar Ridge and Meadowbrook but price of the former and traffic of the latter became a factor. I would love to just play Southern Hills much less become a member there. I have heard stories of six figure initiation fees. I don't much care for Indian Springs, especially with the apartments and the rabble that comes along with Section 8. Tulsa CC and The Oaks are just too far for a Broken Arrow resident. Actually, Forest Ridge may still be in the mix because my wife likes the pool. I just want to play the new greens before I decide. I also live next to Forest Ridge. Golf Club of Ok, Forest Ridge and Emerald Falls all have good food as well. Good luck in choosing a club and PM me if you ever want to get together and play.

[Jocephus1]

Thanks so much for the responses. It really helps me narrow it down. I'm heading down there in a week...gonna go check them out. Thanks again!

[OK_Golf]

Bump:

Jocephus, give us an update, if you don't mind. Did you join somewhere? Are you happy?

Anyone at Meadowboork, how is the traffic there on a Saturday morning? difficult to get on? How early does the club open on both weekend and week-day mornings? is it possible to get nine in on a weekday morning and be done by 8:00-ish?

Any other thoughts on private courses I'd love to hear. I'm trying to decide if its the right way to go. I've never been a member of a private club and am trying to decide if it make sense to join somewhere that is "middle of the road" like a MeadowBrook or Indian Springs or just stick with the nice publics (like Emeral, Forest, Cherokee) and wait to see if I can afford a place like Cedar Ridge at some point in the future.

If anyone could compare the course and practice facilities at MeadowBrook and at Cedar Ridge that would be great to hear.

Thanks

[gbut]

Hi All:

 

I'd like to try to reinvigorate this thread (6 years later). We will be looking for clubs in Tulsa come spring time. Given where I live, Meadowbrook makes a lot of sense.

 

Are there any current or recent members who can speak to questions about Meadowbrook?

 

Both of these questions are based around the fact that one of the biggest benefits of a club for me is not to have to fight the crowds

- How many members?

- How difficult is it to get tee times after work and on Saturday mornings?

 

- I are there a decent number of members that aren't yet retired (I am 39). Not young but dont want to play with a bunch of geezers all the time.

- Any information about their Junior Golf programs? (I have a 4 year old).

 

I am sure I can get all of this answered when i set up an appointment with them but thought I would poll the group first.

 

Thanks!

Greg

[CStephenson17]

Hi All:

 

I'd like to try to reinvigorate this thread (6 years later). We will be looking for clubs in Tulsa come spring time. Given where I live, Meadowbrook makes a lot of sense.

 

Are there any current or recent members who can speak to questions about Meadowbrook?

 

Both of these questions are based around the fact that one of the biggest benefits of a club for me is not to have to fight the crowds

- How many members?

- How difficult is it to get tee times after work and on Saturday mornings?

 

- I are there a decent number of members that aren't yet retired (I am 39). Not young but dont want to play with a bunch of geezers all the time.

- Any information about their Junior Golf programs? (I have a 4 year old).

 

I am sure I can get all of this answered when i set up an appointment with them but thought I would poll the group first.

 

Thanks!

Greg

 

Meadowbrook is a great family friendly club. Grew up playing with several guys who play out there. Cedar is another good choice, same area. Not sure about the tee times, but they do have good junior programs.

[gbut]

Thanks for the reply CStephenson17. I appreciate the feedback

[CStephenson17]

Thanks for the reply CStephenson17. I appreciate the feedback

 

No prob man. Send me a pm anytime when you want to tee it up!

[OK_Golf]

gbut,

 

Way late on my update request here ... but did you choose to join anywhere? If so, where and what do you think one year later? I'm continually in the "should I join somewhere or should I not" debate (with the "no" winning out each of the last four years); but I'm always interested in hearing about folks experience and satisfaction with joining some where.

 

Late 'welcome' to Tulsa, btw.

[gbut]

OK_Golf:

 

I clearly am not on this site as much as I used to be. Sorry for the almost year long delay. I did end up joining Meadowbrook and am still there 1.5 years later. Overall I really like the course, especially the greens. The greens at Meadowbrook are right up there with the elite courses in Tulsa (I know hard to believe).

 

Pros:

- Membership remains high despite possibility of club closure.

- Course remains in great shape. No fall off after purchase by home builder. Cant complain about the course itself

 

Cons:

- No tee times before 8:00am. I have a young family and this is a big bummer for me as it is less intrusive on the family if I can be back home by 11:00am or earlier

- No Junior Golf. This may be what pushes me away from the this club eventually as I have a 6 year old and 2 year old and plan to get them involved in the sport

- Staff attrition due to uncertainty of club remaining open. Leading to some disorganized events.

- Course did a poor job of introducing us to people to help us fit in or find a group (us being my buddy and I that I joined with). I am outgoing and have since met people but it took a year.

[OK_Golf]

gbut,

 

Thanks for the reply ... even if it's a little late. Nice to hear about your experience with Meadowbrook. Your list of Con's line up pretty closely with the reasons I have not joined (Meadowbrook or anywhere else) ... those reasons and the constant "is it worth it? will I use it?" debate one has when considering going private.

 

I've been continually on the fence about joining somewhere, and feel like I'm back close to pulling the trigger. I've been talking with Golf Club of OK and with some of the folks at Meadowbrook.

 

I live off of 101st between Garnett and 129th E . Ave. The location of Meadowbrook is pretty much unbeatable (other than Cedar Ridge ... and I don't think I want to pay for Cedar just yet), but the no early tee times and difficulty finding a group to play with are key issues for me, I think. Also, Golf Club feels more like what I picture when I think of a private club, but the drive is 10 minutes farther (each way) ... just long enough to make me think it about it.

 

I've got a 10 and 13 year old and I want to take one last shot at getting them interested in golf before they get too old, so I do want have some junior programming. They've taken a few lessons in the past (coincidentally from the sister of the woman who does Jr. Golf at Golf Club of OK), but it never quite grabbed them.

 

... I guess the real question is, if you had it to do over again would you join Meadowbrook? If you are still there, it sounds like the answer is "yes".

 

Anyone else have recent experiences with the private clubs around S. Tulsa/Broken Arrow they want to share?

 

Thanks all.

[Rosco1216]

Have you looked into The Oaks, Forrest Ridge, Indian Springs

[OK_Golf]

Rosco 1216,

I haven’t really looked into the oaks because it’s the opposite side of town from me (I’m in BA vs. Oaks in west of the river). I have convinced myself Indian Springs is not what I’m looking for. I play it once each year in a scramble and just don’t love the courses or the conditioning. The two 18s does seem like a good way to keep from getting bored, though.

 

Forest Ridge is where I play most of my golf now. I like it quite a bit. In fact FR is probably the main reason I haven’t joined somewhere private yet: it’s a great course, normally in pretty good condition, with “pay-as-you-go” benefits of a public course.

 

Have you belonged to any of the privates around town? Where are you playing most of your golf these days?

[Jebeka]

Just saw your posts. I’m kicking around joining a club in Tulsa. I’m currently playing the public courses in town. Usually Battlecreek, but we hit them all. We have a good group that plays Saturdays but I’m looking to back down on work and play more golf. I’ve been a member at Indian Springs and Broken Arrow Golf and Athletic Club. Both are lower level clubs. BAGAC has a ton of groups to get into on the weekends and a senior group on weekdays. Scramble Thursday nights. I’m thinking of going back but wanted to look at the next level up clubs. Really looking for a weekday game and maybe Sundays.

 

Golf Club is the one that peaks my interest. I know a couple members and will check on group availabilities. I’ve played on weekdays and it’s empty. I’ve played the Oaks on weekdays and it’s always wide open as well. Patriot is the next level up. Really awesome course but $15k initiation is hard to swallow. Getting a game is more important than course quality so it’s a crap shoot.

[OK_Golf]

Jebeka,

 

Thanks for the reply. I was dead set on pulling the trigger at Golf Club of OK this spring, then tore my rotator cuff skiing and had to have surgery. I’m missing this whole season. I’ll start looking again late fall or wait until the spring at get serious about it. Did you end up joining anywhere?

[shanerbanner10]

I have been considering joining a club as of recently as well. I just recently picked the sticks back up after a 2-3 year stint off. I have considered the Oaks, TCC and a couple others. If I end up pulling the trigger it will like be at TCC. I live out at Keystone Lake and play Blackjack a lot since its close, but would like a range setting with a much better practice area.

 

If any of y'all have any suggestions on a really good coach shoot me a message!

[CStephenson17]

> @shanerbanner10 said:

> I have been considering joining a club as of recently as well. I just recently picked the sticks back up after a 2-3 year stint off. I have considered the Oaks, TCC and a couple others. If I end up pulling the trigger it will like be at TCC. I live out at Keystone Lake and play Blackjack a lot since its close, but would like a range setting with a much better practice area.

>

> If any of y'all have any suggestions on a really good coach shoot me a message!

 

 

Tracy Phillips or Ryan Rody. Both solid. I play most of my golf at The Canyons. You should play in our men's group. We are always looking for new players. We have several guys that are good players

 

[shanerbanner10]

> @CStephenson17 said:

> > @shanerbanner10 said:

> > I have been considering joining a club as of recently as well. I just recently picked the sticks back up after a 2-3 year stint off. I have considered the Oaks, TCC and a couple others. If I end up pulling the trigger it will like be at TCC. I live out at Keystone Lake and play Blackjack a lot since its close, but would like a range setting with a much better practice area.

> >

> > If any of y'all have any suggestions on a really good coach shoot me a message!

>

>

> Tracy Phillips or Ryan Rody. Both solid. I play most of my golf at The Canyons. You should play in our men's group. We are always looking for new players. We have several guys that are good players

>

 

I sent you a message. Definitely interested in playing the mens group.

[Liquid_A_45]

> @CStephenson17 said:

> > @shanerbanner10 said:

> > I have been considering joining a club as of recently as well. I just recently picked the sticks back up after a 2-3 year stint off. I have considered the Oaks, TCC and a couple others. If I end up pulling the trigger it will like be at TCC. I live out at Keystone Lake and play Blackjack a lot since its close, but would like a range setting with a much better practice area.

> >

> > If any of y'all have any suggestions on a really good coach shoot me a message!

>

>

> Tracy Phillips or Ryan Rody. Both solid. I play most of my golf at The Canyons. You should play in our men's group. We are always looking for new players. We have several guys that are good players

>

 

I have been looking for new people to play with as sometimes my buddies schedules don't work with mine. I live in Coweta but play all over the Tulsa metro, if either of you would like to link up shoot me a PM.

[rramsey709]

I have been looking to join a CC for golf, but a family friendly atmosphere. I have read most of the posts. Anyone pulled the trigger for Indian Springs or Cedar Ridge?

[ninothing]

Any intel on Southern Hills guest fees? Small group considering a trip through OK. Was going to have my club pro reach out to SHCC but wondered if some of the guys might be priced out.

[OK_Golf]

it's been a few years, but when I played as accompanies guest I recall something in the $150 range.  Not sure what unaccompanied might be, but I would expect quite a bit higher.