Club History

In the spring of 1920—at the height of Tulsa’s growth—a small group of civic-minded businessmen issued a public call to create a new country club for the community. Their notice invited interested supporters to gather and help shape what would soon become one of Tulsa’s enduring private club traditions.

Just a month later, that early momentum became official. On May 11, 1920, the organization was incorporated as Golfers Country Club, establishing the structure, leadership, and shared vision needed to bring a first-class club experience to life.

After months of searching for the right setting, the club secured 160 acres southwest of Tulsa in 1921—an inspiring site with elevation and views, perfectly suited for a championship golf course and a welcoming clubhouse campus.

As the club’s identity took shape, it adopted the name Oakhurst Country Club, honoring the nearby village and anchoring the club to the place it would call home.

To ensure the course matched the club’s ambitions, the renowned architect A.W. Tillinghast was engaged to design the layout. His involvement signaled a commitment to quality from the very beginning—and set the stage for a golf experience built to stand the test of time.

With the course taking shape, early play began on temporary sand greens, allowing members to enjoy the property while the club was still being built. Plans for a grand clubhouse soon followed—designed as a true gathering place and “showpiece” facility for members and guests.

In June of 1924, the club celebrated a formal grand opening—a milestone marked by spirited events, hospitality, and community pride. That same era also brought key course improvements, including the introduction of Bermuda grass, helping elevate playing conditions as the club entered a new chapter.

In 1937, famed Oklahoma architect Perry Maxwell guided a significant renovation, including the rebuilding of seven greens. His naturalistic style—working with the land rather than against it—helped strengthen the course’s character and long-term playability.

The club’s growing reputation reached a national stage in 1938 when it hosted the Women’s Trans-Mississippi Golf Championship. The week brought top competitors, memorable social events, and championship drama—culminating in a victory by Patty Berg, who would go on to become one of the most celebrated figures in women’s golf.

World War II placed immense pressure on clubs across the country, and the Oaks property was not immune. In 1944, following foreclosure, Walter Ahrens and a small group of investors stepped in—purchasing the club at a sheriff’s auction and keeping the property and its future intact during an uncertain time.

In 1950, Mabel Hotz helped establish the Oklahoma Junior Girls Golf Championship at Oaks—an event that quickly became a cornerstone of junior golf. What began modestly grew into one of the most influential junior girls programs in the country, reinforcing Oaks as a place where the game—and young talent—could thrive.

A defining milestone came in 1952 when the members officially purchased the club, renaming it Oaks Country Club. Achieving the goal with 420 members, the club entered member ownership debt-free—a remarkable accomplishment that ensured long-term stability and a strong future.

Building on its junior golf leadership, Oaks hosted the USGA Junior Girls Championship in 1960, with Mabel Hotz serving as general chairman. The event confirmed Oaks’ standing as a trusted host for championship golf—and a leader in growing the women’s game.

A new golf shop was completed in 1967, improving day-to-day service and enhancing the overall golf operation for members and guests. In 1969, Oaks expanded beyond golf with the construction of a swimming pool and recreation complex, further establishing the club as a place for families, friendships, and year-round community.

From 1974 through 1980, Oaks entered an era of meaningful upgrades—enhancing practice areas, remodeling locker rooms, and adding the Oakleaf Dining Room, strengthening both the golf and social experience at the heart of the club.

 In 1975, Oaks once again welcomed elite women’s amateur golf as host of the Women’s Trans National Amateur Championship. The week bridged generations—featuring rising stars like Nancy Lopez, while also honoring Patty Berg, whose championship legacy at Oaks dated back to 1938.

From 1990 through 2004, Oaks made major investments in the member experience—renovating clubhouse interiors, installing a new sprinkler system with a pipeline from Pole Cat Creek, completing a Tom Hoch-designed clubhouse renovation with updated golf shop and locker rooms plus the A.W. Tillinghast Bar, and rebuilding bunkers to elevate course conditions.

In 2014, membership approved a $7.2 million, two-phase plan to upgrade the swimming pool and deck, add The Acorn— a six-hole par-3 short course for juniors and families—and deliver targeted golf course enhancements.

Beginning in 2015, Oaks launched a course restoration with architect Bill Bergin to revive A.W. Tillinghast’s original design intent, and in 2018 completed the next renovation phase with major dining upgrades and expanded family and social facilities.

Oaks Country Club marks its 100th anniversary—celebrating a century of championship golf, enduring traditions, and the community of members and families who have shaped the club’s legacy.

• Master Facilities Plan (pool deck expansion, fitness center, playground, dining upgrades).
  
• Golf Course Master Plan (irrigation and practice facilities).
  
• Enhanced family programming and member experience.
  
• Focus on financial stewardship and sustainable growth.
  

A group of Tulsa businessmen publish a notice calling for a new country club.

The club is officially incorporated as Golfers Country Club.

Land purchased for 160 acres southwest of Tulsa.

Renamed Oakhurst Country Club after the nearby village of Oakhurst.

A.W. Tillinghast, famed golf course architect, is hired to design the course.

Construction of the first clubhouse begins at a cost of $100,000; temporary sand greens in play.

Official grand opening of the clubhouse and course; Bermuda grass introduced.

Bent grass greens installed.

Course renovation by Perry Maxwell, including rebuilding of seven greens.

Hosts Women’s Trans-Mississippi Golf Championship, won by Patty Berg.

The club is foreclosed and purchased at a sheriff’s auction for $38,600 by Walter Ahrens and a group of investors.

Membership drive begins to transition the club to member ownership.

Oklahoma Junior Girls Golf Championship founded at Oaks by Mabel Hotz, becoming the largest junior girls’ program in the U.S.

Members buy the club, renaming it Oaks Country Club, debt-free with 420 members.

Clubhouse remodel adds kitchen, ladies’ locker room, and expanded lounge.

Oaks hosts the USGA Junior Girls Championship, chaired by Mabel Hotz.

Sprinkler system installed for fairways and greens.

New golf shop completed.

Swimming pool and recreation complex constructed.

Major renovations including putting green, locker room remodels, and Oakleaf Dining Room addition.

Hosts Women’s Trans National Amateur Championship, where Nancy Lopez competes and Patty Berg is honored.

New southern entrance from 71st Street, expanded parking, practice range upgrade