Fat Guy's Tulsa OK Golf Weekend

It's easy to hear "Tulsa" and forget it was once the self-proclaimed "Oil Capital Of The World" from the '20's through the '50's. A number of oil millionaires per capita still remain, along with an eclectic mix of great Art Deco, Spanish, Mission, and Wright-esque architecture. You'll find Tulsa to be a surprisingly metropolitan city with museums, a quality zoo, and urban renaissance areas filled with hip restaurants, bars, and coffee houses. Fat Guy used to spend some time there for work, so I know my way around a little.

Where To Play:  Forest Ridge GC, Broken Arrow, www.forestridgegc.com. This was one of the hardest courses I've ever played, Scotland and Monterey Peninsula included. Long, supertight, and just plain brutal. World class conditions. Narrow fairways slope off into woods and swamplands, every kick I got was deservedly horrible. Bring the A game, swing a stick you can hit straight, and don't be afraid to play a par 4 as a par 5. Water in play on 8 holes.

Emerald Falls GC, Broken Arrow, www.emeraldfalls.com.  Players at this mid-to-upscale development near Tulsa will encounter leitmotifs of water, wood and stone. The water comes in the form of numerous lakes and streams that dictate play. Massive hundred-year-old oaks frame holes five through nine, and locally harvested sandstone lines the lakes, bridges and tees.

White Hawk GC, Bixby, www.americangolf.com/ok/bixby-white-hawk-golf-club.  A nice little flatland track out in the middle of nowhere, about 30-45 minutes out of Tulsa. My buddyKenny Nunley's home course.  Longish, but makes you think, most holes you can't just bomb one off the tee.  Some mild elevation changes, a few tight holes on the back.  A fun test and a great value. 

Best Bar, Tulsa: There's a nice bar/lounge district around 34th & Peoria, featuring pseudo-biker bar Crow Creek Bar, a fun evening with nice outdoor seating and an outdoorstone fireplace; hit nearby En Fuego for Baja Mexican cuisine; or Suede Ultralounge for martinis. You'll find up-and-coming clubs in the Brady District (around 18th & Boston): Margaritas Mexican; Tulsa tradition Caz's (www.cazspub.com) has been "helping ugly people have sex for 9 years"; and how can you not try a club named Rehab Lounge? OR check out The Foxx Hole Gentlemen's Club (6534 Charles Page Blvd, 918-245-6000); Bad Girls Inc. (1st & Elgin); upscale Night Trips (39th & S. Sheridan, www.nighttrips.com) is closest to the Courtyard; or Ritz Caberet (1881 S. Yale, www.ritztulsa.com). Check local rag Urban Tulsa Weekly (www.urbantulsa.com) for what's happening tonight.

Where To Grub: For traditional Tulsa grub, try Billy Ray's Bar-B-Q & Catfish (3524 Southwest Blvd & 7227 S Memorial Dr), where the tasty BBQ ribs, catfish, and pulled pork sandwiches come on a tray covered in wax paper. Great homemade shoestring fries too. Or hit Billy Simms' BBQ (yes, that Billy Simms, 5213 S Sheridan, www.billysimmsbbq.com). My buddy LJ also digs the Rib Crib. The best steaks in Tulsa are at Spudder's (6536 E 50th St), complete with old school oil field decor. Quality meats well-spiced, full of flavor, and reasonably priced. Heisler likes breakfast and the chicken 'n biscuits at Mary & Mark's. For Italian, locals dig Garlic Rose (3509 S Peoria Ave, 918-746-4900).

If you're on the company dime, my old boss Kelly recommends the melt-in-your-mouth steaks and massive ala cart portions at Mahogany Prime Steak House (6823 S Yale Ave, www.mahoganyprime.com). Chalkboard Restaurant is an elegantly casual setting with a stirring menu. Try the beef tenderloin. My friend Jenn likes Tiki for Asian food, the Celebrity Room (3109 S Yale Ave) for good salad and steaks, and Bourbon Street Cafe (11542 E 15th St) for Cajun.

Where To Stay: Per T&L Golf, in downtown Tulsa stay at Hotel Ambassador. Built for 1920's oil barons, this 10-story gem will serve as a memorable base camp. Gamblers may want to take up residence at the newly ('04) opened Cherokee Casino & Resort (I-44 & 93rd E. Ave). Gambling, sports bars, martini lounges, local chain McGill's Steakhouse (a small, classy room), and championship golf on premisis. Midscalers shouldhit Courtyard Marriott or Embassy Suites near 33rd & Memorial.

Further Distractions: The Tulsa State Fair (15th & Yale) happens every year on the first full weekend in October. You haven't seen huge til you've seen this thing. Cain's Ballroom has been a Tulsa music staple since 1924 (www.cainsballroom.com) and features everything from 3 Days Grace to up-and-coming country acts.

See also:  Golf Digest's Tulsa OK Golf Weekend