City: Tulsa, OK

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (918) 496-6200

Address: 5501 S. Yale Ave.

Description: Continuously voted Tulsa’s favorite public golf course, LaFortune features two 18-hole courses—a championship course with four sets of tees and a lighted, par three course. Designed by Floyd Farley in the early ’60s, the course has recently been renovated by course designer Randy Heckenkemper.The 6,416-yard, par 72 championship course features Bermuda fairways and bent-grass greens. Incorporating water hazards, sand bunkers, and undulating greens, the course offers plenty of challenges to players. The signature hole is No. 6, a 190-yard, par three, uphill hole with a two-tiered green and a pond and waterfall on the left of the green. One of the toughest holes is No. 18, a well-bunkered, well-treed par five, with the last 100 yards straight uphill.The staff here is first rate, with Patrick McCrate, director of golf, and Chris Jarrett, head golf professional, both PGA members, plus five PGA affiliate assistants. The club has been recognized by the PGA for its teaching program. This is the first public course in Oklahoma to offer the five-day “Get Golf Ready” program.The par three course is ideal for quicker play or working on your short game. The lights extend playing time and offer a bit of evening relief on hot days.Practice facilities are extensive, with a lighted driving range with 200 yards of grass teeing area. There are also two putting practice greens and a professional short-game complex.Tuesday and Thursday nights are reserved for league play. Tee times can be reserved a week in advance and are a good idea.A brand-new clubhouse was scheduled for completion in late 2009. The new facility will house not only the pro shop but a restaurant and tournament room. The pro shop at LaFortune is noted for its extensive selection of equipment.