Oxford Golf Club Prepares For The Next Generation of Golfers

Junior golfers at Oxfordshire’s oldest golf club, Oxford Golf Club, have entered a league for the first time in recent history as the sport enjoys a welcome boom in youth participation.

Based on Hill Top Road in Cowley, Oxford Golf Club’s youth members have joined the regional GolfSixes league after being invited by national charity The Golf Foundation and the Oxfordshire Junior Golf League.

What Is GolfSixes

The GolfSixes League, run by the Golf Foundation, is seen as an exciting and innovative playing format for juniors getting started in golf

It was created in 2017 to give young golfers the opportunity to play on the golf course in a format that is fun, team based and suitable for beginners.

GolfSixes League involves teams of six, playing six holes in pairs using the highly inclusive Texas Scramble format. This format is designed for non-handicap players, or 37 and above. The Golf Foundation has a host of resources and a leaue management system to support all clubs who are part of a GolfSixes League.

In 2023 there were more than 100 leagues, 600 clubs and 8,000 players taking part in local leagues across all of the Home Nations.

Growing Participation

At the Oxford Golf Club, more than 20 junior players have registered to enter the leagues as part of the club’s ambition to develop an inclusive environment where youngsters new to golf can learn and develop key skills associated with the sport.

It follows the launch of the club’s Captain’s Charity last year by club captain Gary Goymer, who in partnership with junior organiser Ashley Buttress aims to rejuvenate the club’s junior section.

Ashley – a member of Oxford Golf Club since 2019 – oversees the club’s youth setup, in which his eight-year-old son, Max, competes.

He said: “We’re committed to providing opportunities to the next generation of golfers who show a real enthusiasm and passion for their game during coaching sessions which are delivered by the club’s experienced teaching professionals.

“Being invited to participate in the regional Golf Sixes league is a positive move and will serve as a great development stepping stone for our young players.

“We’re continuing to see increasing levels of interest among young players and – as a player who started my journey into the sport at a young age – we understand the importance a positive first touchpoint to the sport can have on a new player.

“While results are secondary with the primary focus on playing golf and having fun, the Junior Golf League team won their first match in June which served as a great achievement.”

To support the club’s youth delivery, three dedicated junior sessions are delivered each Saturday between 11am and 4pm – including a girls-only session for young female players.

The sessions teach basic golf skills including putting, driving, and chipping with the key emphasis on fun and enjoyment for participants.

Ashley added: “Golf requires focus, precision, attention to detail, and plenty of practice – all skills which can be applied to the real world.

“It’s a complex sport to learn, but our junior sessions break the fundamentals down in an environment that’s fun for players where they can make new friends and develop each week.

“For any young golf enthusiasts, learning in the company of others is the best way to develop and we’re always welcoming new players.”

Founded in 1873 Oxford Golf Club was the original club of Oxford University and to this day features an 18-hole course designed by legendary golf architect Harry Colt.

Further information about the club and its junior sessions is available via www.oxfordgolfclub.co.uk