Southern Hills Golf Club

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I play Southern Hills Golf Club, given its private status?

Southern Hills is a highly exclusive private club, so getting on requires an invitation from a member. Your best bet is to network within the golf community or look for charity events that might offer a round as part of their package. It's a bucket-list course, so planning ahead for that member connection is key.

What's the best time of year to experience Southern Hills without extreme weather?

We recommend visiting in the spring (April-May) or fall (late September-October) to avoid Tulsa's intense summer heat and humidity. You'll find the course in prime condition, and the cooler temperatures make walking the hilly terrain much more enjoyable. Be prepared for potential wind, which always adds an extra layer of challenge here.

What makes Southern Hills such a formidable test, especially for a major championship?

Southern Hills truly earns its reputation from its greens - they are notoriously undulating, fast, and demand precise approach shots. The course also features significant elevation changes and Maxwell's strategic bunkering, forcing you to think on every single shot. Don't expect many flat lies; it's a constant mental and physical challenge.

How did the recent Gil Hanse renovation impact the classic Perry Maxwell design at Southern Hills?

Hanse's renovation beautifully restored Maxwell's original vision, bringing back wider fairways and exposing more of the natural creek beds that define many holes. We found it enhanced the strategic options and made the course feel even more authentic to its Golden Age roots, without losing any of its championship bite. It's a masterful update that respects history.

Are there any specific holes at Southern Hills that truly stand out or are particularly memorable?

Absolutely, the par-4 12th, with its dramatic downhill approach to a green guarded by a creek, is a stunner and a real risk-reward hole. The par-3 13th, often played into the wind, also demands perfection. You'll appreciate the strategic brilliance and natural beauty throughout, but those two really stick with you.