ARCHITECTS
Course info
Score
Difficulty
Weather
Price
Course Report
Karsten Creek was named to honor Karsten Solheim, the founder of PING, and its lake after his wife, Louise. It has hosted NCAA Championships and is consistently ranked the top collegiate golf course in America.
About
Karsten Creek Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1994, stands as the prestigious home of Oklahoma State University’s golf teams. The course winds through oaks and around Lake Louise, stretching over 7,400 yards with bentgrass greens and zoysia fairways. Consistently rated among the most respected collegiate courses, it challenges with its undulating terrain and championship-caliber conditioning.
Caddie Tip
Prioritize positioning off the tee, as fairways thread through mature oaks and elevation changes. Take extra club on the uphill par 3s and watch for swirling winds by Lake Louise; the greens are large but very fast, so favor below-the-hole approaches, especially on the finishing stretch near the water.
The Main Challenge
The back nine, especially holes 16 through 18, play along Lake Louise and test accuracy and nerve with water hazards and tight fairways. Fast, undulating greens and Oklahoma winds add significant challenge, demanding precise approach play and confident putting.
The Good
Golfers rave about the closing stretch of holes around Lake Louise, providing both breathtaking vistas and intense risk-reward drama. The course conditioning and the challenge cater to serious golfers, while the secluded, natural setting makes every round feel special.
The Not So Good
Some visitors note the high price point compared to other Oklahoma courses and comment on occasional slow play when the course is busy. Others wish for more easily walkable routing, as elevation changes and distances between holes can make walking a challenge.
Signature Hole:
#
11
The par 3 11th is Karsten Creek’s signature hole, demanding a precise tee shot over water to the course’s longest green. Playing around 209 yards and set against a stunning ravine, it is fully tree-lined with water protecting both the front and back, making it both beautiful and challenging.
Clubhouse
The $4.5 million clubhouse features a pro shop, locker rooms, dining spaces, guest lodges, and event venues. Full-service dining is available for breakfast on weekends and lunch daily, with PING fittings and instruction on site.
Practice Facilities
Karsten Creek offers extensive practice amenities including a full driving range, short game area, dedicated putting greens, and indoor teaching facilities, supporting both OSU’s teams and member improvement.
Dress Code:
Standard
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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