EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report
(Form 10-K) of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. of our report dated November 19, 2001,
included in the 2001 Annual Report to Shareholders of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

         We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements (Form S-8 Nos. 33-55239, 333-34939 and 333-63124) pertaining,
respectively, to the 1990 Stock Option Plan, 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and 2000
Stock Incentive Plan of our report dated November 19, 2001, with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. incorporated by
reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30,
2001.


                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Tulsa, Oklahoma
December 27, 2001