Other Information

History

Oxford University Golf Club (OUGC) was founded in 1875 reputedly by Dr Boyd, president of Hertford College, and the Rev P. A. Wright-Henderson, who became Warden of Wadham College. OUGC's first home was Cowley Marsh, where golf was played "over the marshiest part, where a few hedges here and there and a cricket pavilion served to give interest to the game". The club then moved to Headington, and in 1891 to Hinksey where it remained until the move to Southfield in the early 1920's.

The Varsity Match

The Varsity Match against Cambridge University Golf Club is the last, and most important, game of the season. The first Varsity Match was played in 1878 and, with the British Amateur Championship first being played in 1885, the match can claim to be the oldest amateur fixture in world golf.

Freshers

At the start of every academic year OUSU, the Oxford University Student Union, runs a Freshers' Fair at the Examination Schools. The Golf Club has a stall at the Fair allowing Freshers' to sign up and get some information about upcoming trials and other events.

Usually, two trials take place in the first two weeks of official term time at Southfield Golf Club. These are used by the Committee to assess the ability of each player, new and old. Every Wednesday during term, we play a medal round at Southfield. The teams for the weekend matches are picked based on scores during these medal rounds and on previous performances in weekend fixtures. Thus, the selection process is a form of ongoing assessment and so chances to get into the Blues or Divots teams come along every week.

The Blues get coaching from Peter Green, who formerly coached the Somerset county side. He usually visits once every 2 - 3 weeks and so, under his guidance, there are some very good opportunities to improve one's overall game. In the run up to the Varsity Match in 2005, the team travelled to Trevose Golf Club, where Peter was the Head Professional, for a training camp where we worked solidly on our games for 2 days, making use of the wonderful practice facilities that were at our disposal.

Playing golf for Oxford may sound expensive with all the wonderfully exclusive clubs we visit, but in fact it isn't. The matches we play are against teams that the club fields and as guests, we don't have to pay for playing. The only expenses that you will incur will be joining Southfield Golf Club and petrol costs for travelling to the weekend fixtures.