Champions at Shangri-La Country Club

The Champions Course at Shangri-La Country Club occupies a distinctive setting on Monkey Island in Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, a large reservoir in northeastern Oklahoma near the Kansas and Missouri borders. Donald Sechrest designed the course, which opened in the 1970s as part of the resort's expansion. The layout takes advantage of the lake's irregular shoreline and the rolling terrain characteristic of the Ozark foothills, with elevation changes and water features playing significant roles in the routing.

The course incorporates views of Grand Lake throughout the round, with several holes running along or near the water's edge. The property's natural contours create variety in lies and approach angles, while mature trees frame many fairways. Sechrest's design reflects the era's emphasis on strategic shot-making rather than overwhelming length, though the course has been updated over the decades to maintain relevance for contemporary play.

Shangri-La functions as both a resort destination and a private club, drawing members and guests from the Tulsa area and beyond. The facility has hosted regional amateur competitions and serves as a centerpiece of the broader Shangri-La resort complex, which includes lodging, marina facilities, and additional recreational amenities. The Champions Course remains the property's signature golf offering, combining the challenge of a well-conceived layout with the scenic appeal of its lakeside Oklahoma location.