The Club at Forest Ridge, one of the most established lifestyle and golf destinations in the Tulsa metropolitan area, will transition to a fully private country club from 1 November 2026, marking a significant milestone in its long-term development strategy. The move follows a period of sustained investment, rising demand for membership, and a broader shift towards more exclusive, member-led experiences across the US private club sector.
The announcement was made by Bobby Jones Links (BJL), the Alpharetta, Georgia-based club management group that partners with the property. Located in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, The Club at Forest Ridge has spent the past year enhancing its facilities and services, contributing to strong growth in its membership base. According to the club, 100 new members joined during 2025 alone, underscoring local demand for high-end recreational and social amenities.
The decision to become fully private is the culmination of what the club’s leadership describes as a carefully managed transformation spanning more than a decade. Speaking about the transition, chief executive Davis Robson said:
“Over the past decade, we have executed a deliberate transformation of The Club at Forest Ridge to transition it into one of the premier private clubs in Oklahoma. Our recent amenity enhancements, coupled with our partnership with Bobby Jones Links delivers the curated member experiences our members expect and deserve, and has driven rapid membership growth over the past year. That momentum confirmed the time is right to transition to a fully private membership, enabling us to deliver a more elevated, dynamic, and exclusive experience.”
He added: “This is a defining moment for the club, our team, and our members. The pride in what we’ve built and the excitement for what’s ahead are at an all-time high.”
The property is centred on an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Randy Heckenkemper, supported by two clubhouses and a wide range of leisure and lifestyle facilities. These include Southern-style dining options and a members-only social venue, The Ridge Club, which features a modern fitness centre, resort-style swimming pool, six lighted tennis courts, pickleball facilities, a newly opened indoor climate-controlled racquets dome, and a programme of private member events. Together, these offerings position Forest Ridge as one of the most comprehensive private club propositions in the state.
New general manager appointed to lead private club transition
Alongside the announcement of its move to private status, BJL confirmed the appointment of Cody Lack as the club’s new general manager, tasking him with guiding Forest Ridge through its next phase. Lack brings three decades of industry experience and is a 24-year Class A PGA of America Golf Professional, having overseen full-facility operations across seven US states.
An Oklahoma native, Lack has a long-standing personal connection with the club, having first played the course in the early 2000s. Commenting on his appointment, he said:
“Seeing how this incredible property has grown, I’m very excited for the opportunity to be part of something special at Forest Ridge. It’s a place that’s rich with culture and amenities and it’s in an ideal location. Add to that the outstanding facilities and the sports, entertainment, food and beverage and lifestyle amenities are second to none for members and guests. The Forest Ridge team is very talented and has created a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere.”
Lack has outlined a leadership approach centred on collaboration, communication, and service quality, with an emphasis on understanding both staff and member expectations.
“I want to get to know the team and members, and get familiar with their expectations,” he says. “And to find out everybody’s Why: Why they’re there, what they’re trying to achieve, and the members’ expectations and concerns. I want to absorb as much as I can, gather a full understanding of everything, and first make sure that we achieve the expectations of our ownership in the right way. That will be done through a lot of communication, meetings and working together. I want to make sure the members see that we’re making strides to improve everything.”
BJL executives say Lack’s background makes him well suited to managing the scale and ambition of the Forest Ridge operation. Amy Buchanan, vice president of revenue management at BJL, said:
“We’re thrilled to have Cody fill the role of general manager at Forest Ridge. He’s well-versed on the golf and food-and-beverage parts of the business, has executive skills, and a good executive level background. He comes to us very well rounded, to manage a property the size, scope, and vision of The Club at Forest Ridge. Most importantly, he brings a renewed leadership to our team.”
Ken Nicholas, vice president of operations at BJL, highlighted the strategic importance of the appointment as the club prepares for private status. “Today’s private clubs have to be dynamic and offer amenities and program for members of all ages and interests. Cody has been successful in his career transitioning properties – that experience is invaluable to us as we move through this transition to being private,” he said.
Opened in 1989 on land formerly used as a working cattle ranch, Forest Ridge has long been the focal point of the surrounding master-planned community. Its reputation has been reinforced by industry and local accolades, including recognition in Golfpass’s Golfer’s Choice Awards for “Top 25 Off-Course Amenities,” as well as multiple honours for the adjacent residential development from the Tulsa Parade of Homes and Tulsa World. As it approaches its move to private status in November 2026, the club is positioning itself firmly for a more exclusive and member-focused future.
