A historic sporting rivalry has been revived in a new bid to grow the game.
Oxford University Golf Club and Oxford Golf Club, the county’s oldest course based on Hill Top Road, have renewed their partnership to support the future of golf in Oxford and mark the university club’s 150th anniversary.
As part of the collaboration, the annual Town vs Gown fixture has been relaunched and a new short-game practice facility is under development.
The partnership aims to improve coaching, expand playing opportunities for members, and secure the future of the sport within the Oxford ring road.
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Carl Heneghan, president of Oxford University Golf Club, said: “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.”
This year’s 36-hole scratch match, held at Oxford Golf Club, saw the Town side secure a convincing 13.5 to 1.5 victory.
Despite the result, Mr Heneghan said the renewed partnership was the bigger win.
He said: “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.
“By working in partnership with Oxford Golf Club, we can deliver high-quality coaching and development opportunities to our members, while helping to secure the future of golf within the ring road in recognition of the importance of recreational activities outside of studies.
“The result might not have gone our way on the day, but to set these foundations and help the sport to continue to move forwards is our primary focus through this renewed partnership.”
As part of the agreement, Oxford Golf Club’s PGA professional Joe Pepperell will deliver ongoing coaching to university members.
He said: “Working in partnership with the university is hugely important to the sport’s development in the city.
“For Carl and his colleagues to recognise the relevance of golf – and sport more generally – to Oxford is a real positive and will ensure we can continue to take the game forwards locally after a post-pandemic surge in interest.
“We thank the university for reestablishing the Town v Gown fixture, and look forward to working closely together in the future.”