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Willie Wood, David Edwards, Scott Verplank, Bob Tway, Gil Morgan, Mark Hayes and Doug Tewell.
The talent from a group of players, all current or recent Oak Tree Golf Club residents, has elevated the club into an elite class.
Scott Verplank felt out of place for the Oak Tree Gang photo that accompanies this story. The 2002 and 2006 Ryder Cup team member didn't own the requested western attire but tried to blend in as best he could. "I kind of looked like a warden," Verplank said with a laugh. "Felt like one, too, carrying that shotgun."
For the better part of three decades, members of the Oak Tree Gang have blended in perfectly at the gated, golf-crazed community in Edmond, located just north of Oklahoma City. Oak Tree Golf Club consists of 18 holes while neighboring Oak Tree Country Club offers 36 holes with the East and West courses.
The Oak Tree Gang had its heyday in the 1980s. The players resided in Oklahoma and roamed free wherever Landmark Land Company Inc. had a golf ranch, receiving privileges at places like La Quinta, Carmel Valley, PGA West, Kiawah Island and Palm Beach Polo and Country Club. At its high point, the Landmark stable had roughly 30 touring professionals representing its clubs.
The gang from Oak Tree ruled Midwestern territory. Gil Morgan, Doug Tewell, Mark Hayes, Danny Edwards, David Edwards, Bob Tway, Willie Wood, Andrew Magee, Scott Verplank, Brian Watts and Andy Dillard all have been gang members.
Together, these players have collected more than 65 titles on
the PGA and Champions Tours, 3 Major Championships and 3 former
Ryder Cup members with total career earnings surpassing $88 million.
"I have gone to those guys numerous times about things," owner
Don Mathis said. "We've listen to them. They like the course and
like being involved on decisions. They've been a pleasure to work
with, all those guys."
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