Oxford University Golf Club and Oxford Golf Club have launched a new partnership aimed at strengthening golf in the city, marked by the successful return of a historic Town versus Gown fixture during the university club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
The renewed relationship was formally celebrated at Oxford Golf Club’s course on Hill Top Road, where players from both clubs took part in a 36-hole scratch match. The Town side secured victory by 13.5 points to 1.5, reviving a fixture that has long been associated with the city’s golfing heritage.
The collaboration will see Oxford University Golf Club and Oxford Golf Club work together to protect the future of golf within Oxford’s ring road while improving access to coaching and playing opportunities for members of both organisations.
A new short game practice facility is scheduled for development this summer, designed to support players in improving their chipping, pitching and putting. Alongside this, the annual tournament between the university side and Oxford City Golf Club has been re-established as part of wider efforts to strengthen local participation in the sport.
Carl Heneghan said the agreement reflects Oxford’s longstanding golfing tradition.
“Unbeknown to many, Oxford has a proud and historic golf heritage dating back to the middle-to-late 19th century.
“We are the world’s oldest university golf club with Cambridge, with whom we hold an annual event which pre-dates any international fixture.
“Reestablishing our ties with Oxford City Golf Clubs and Oxford Golf Club is excellent news for enthusiasts of the sport locally, and represents an opportunity to reignite a truly unique working partnership.
“It is without doubt that golf participation is on the up, reflected by record membership levels and an enthusiasm by players to get outside, be active, and enjoy a great social sport.”
He added that the main focus of the renewed partnership is to secure long-term development opportunities for golfers in Oxford and to reinforce the role of sport in student life.
As part of the agreement, Joe Pepperell, PGA professional at Oxford Golf Club, will provide ongoing lessons for university club members.
“Working in partnership with the university is hugely important to the sport’s development in the city,” he said.
“We thank the university for reestablishing the Town v Gown fixture, and look forward to working closely together in the future.”
