Historic Oxfordshire Golf Course Will Close in 2025

Historic North Oxford Golf Club, which was established back in 1907, is set to close next year after the 70-acre site was chosen to be part of a major housing development.

1,180 homes will be built on the land that sits just three miles from the centre of Oxford, which is news that has come to the dismay of the 450 members who have been told that their beloved course will shut its doors for the final time on 31 October 2025.

In a story highlighted by The Golf Business, speaking to the Oxford Mail, member of 23 seasons, Jill Northover said: "We are going to close, we are accepting that.

"There is an awful lot of sadness about the fact that they’re going to build houses and destroy the green land, but there is also a wider issue.

"They can’t do anything until we have vacated the course. The problem is, where is everyone going to go and play?

"There is a lack of insight into the fact that it provides such a good environment for people. We feel very at home here. We’re all supportive of each other.

"I wanted to carry on playing here because the course is ideal. It’s tricky, but it’s not hugely long. It’s also flat, so it provides good exercise for a lot of people.

"It’s very, very sad. I think a lot of people can’t believe it will happen. It’s such a shame that it will be destroyed.

"We’ll vacate the course next year and it’ll sit here and nothing will happen for a while, possibly years. That will be such a waste.

"For a lot of people, coming here is a lifeline. It’s not just about houses, it’s about people and their lives. One member who is 90 comes here every day. It’s people like him I just feel so sorry for.

"The loss of spaces like this can lead to increased isolation and a decline in physical and mental well-being for local people.

"We urge the local authority to consider the profound impact on our older residents especially, and to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.

"Whilst any future relocation sounds simple, people affected can sometimes get lost in the long grass of how big decisions are then implemented over time.

"Oxfordshire is not the easiest of places to get around, something that has worsened in recent times."

Losing a leisure facility of this stature could have a significant impact - especially for elderly members - on the health and well-being of those who have called the course their home for many years. 

That hasn't been lost on some local politicians, with councillor Ian Middleton commenting: "Even though I’m not a golfer myself I appreciate how precious this course is to the members of the club.

"It’s been maintained and nurtured for well over 100 years and provides a valuable resource for those seeking some gentle recreation.

"This is especially important for older people, particularly women who I know regard the club and the course as a haven that allows them to exercise in a safe and secure environment.

"The course also supports a wide range of wildlife because, unlike many other such facilities, it has a well-managed array of veteran trees and hedgerows.

"Many of the trees have been there since the course was first laid and represent a vital carbon sink in an area surrounded by roads and other proposed developments that will generate harmful emissions.

"A significant amount of this vital green infrastructure is likely to be lost during the development which I think would represent an act of wanton environmental vandalism.

"At the very least there should be a requirement that as much of the existing greenery and tree cover is retained."

Constituency MP, Calum Miller, said: "I am really sad to hear that North Oxford Golf Club will close soon.

"Maintaining an active lifestyle and being part of a community who share an interest helps to keep you physically and mentally well. Sports clubs play a huge part in that.

"So I am really sorry for those who will miss this when the club closes."

There will be regular visitors who will be saddened to hear this news too, as the club is Highly Recommended on Golfshake, and boasts a strong 4.15 rating from 70 submitted reviews.

One recent reviewer shared their thoughts on the venue: "Played late August. Course was in excellent condition. Greens were really smooth, quick but not too quick. Only one cut of rough everywhere, including under trees which made looking for balls easy. Quite a few tight holes so you need to be accurate off the tee, but landing areas are plenty wide enough. Not a long course, only one par 5, but a really enjoyable variety of holes and we still hit quite a lot of drivers. Really enjoyable course to play, would definitely recommend."

If you wish to take up that recommendation and experience one of the best designs in the county, then you will have to play North Oxford during the next year, as once November comes around in 2025, the lengthy history of this superb course will come to an end.

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