Golf Course Review by: Brandon Wilde

Rankings: 

 

The Takeaway:  The OU golf teams are very fortunate to have this facility. The Ransom Practice Course is one-of-a-kind. With four interchangeable and reversible practice holes there are unlimited possibilities for practice and improvement. The superintendent takes great pride in the facility and it is immaculate. You can tell they take their golf seriously at OU. Jimmie Austin GC is an excellent track as well. Choose the right tees because it can become quite long, if you allow it. The recent redesign done by OU alum Tripp Davis which was finished in 2017 has really improved the overall playability and aesthetics of the golf course.  Grade B

Quick Facts

Designer:  Perry Maxwell in 1951, Bob Cupp remodel in 1996

Cost:  Private

Phone Number:  (405) 325-6716

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Jimmie Austin Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 4 Ransom Drive, Norman, Oklahoma  73019 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Jimmie Austin Golf Club

What to Expect:  Beautifully maintained golf course with mature trees and creative bunkering. The recent redesign has added some great character to the course. The first three holes on the back nine are particularly memorable and the entire back nine is so much fun.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Championship	72	7452	77.9	142
I	72	7128	76.5	141
I/II Player Combo	72	6932	75.3	136
II	72	6703	74.3	137
II/III Member Combo	72	6398	71.9	142
III	72	6087	69.0	112
III/IV Senior Combo	72	5673	67.4	110
IV (Women)	72	5326	71.1	128

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  11th Hole – 445 Yard Par 3 – From the teebox this hole is quite unassuming. It is a long, straight two-shotter with a couple small bunkers around 250-275 yards from the tee. The fun comes on the second shot where a small pond sits on the right side of the green and begs for a high draw shot into the putting surface. The beauty of the hole is appreciated as you’re on the green looking back towards the clubhouse. The view of the OU water tower high above the clubhouse paints a beautiful picture of the collegiate golf experience.

Best Par 3:  12th Hole – 190 Yards – The first par-3 on the back nine is a gorgeous hole that plays away from the clubhouse. An expansive bunker frames the front and right sides of the green to make this a nerve-wracking tee shot.

Best Par 4:  1st Hole – 472 Yards – Jimmie Austin grabs your attention from the very first tee. A long par four gets us going with a mild dogleg to the right. Three greenside beaches border the left of the green and encourages a high draw. Two putts should get you to the second tee at even par.

Best Par 5:  18th Hole – 586 Yards – What a fantastic finishing hole! It is possible to get home in two shots, but it will take a couple near perfect shots. The tee shot is wide open with a subtle dogleg left that allows you to grip it and rip it. If you can place that shot on the right side of the fairway you’ll need a long carry to clear the creek that protects the front of the green. It’s a high risk, high reward play, that just might be worth it if your match is close down the stretch.

Birdie Time:  10th Hole – 322 Yard Par 4 – No matter how your front nine goes, it is always a good sign for the round when you begin the backside with a birdie. Threes are plentiful on this short par four. The green is driveable for the big sticks, but a safe shot in the fairway will give you an easy approach into the green as well. There isn’t much trouble here, so go out there and get that birdie!

Bogey Beware:  5th Hole – 627 Yard Par 5 – At 627 yards from the tips, this hole is a beast. As you stand on the tee your confidence should be high because of the lack of hazards awaiting you in the fairway. The narrow fairway and sheer length of the hole is intimidation enough. The relatively small green is protected by three greenside bunkers; hopefully you can get there in regulation, because a bogey is not out of the question here.