Oxfordshire's oldest golf club is bucking the national trend by increasing its membership base in response to oversubscribed winter competitions.
Located on Hill Top Road in Cowley, Oxford Golf Club has observed a substantial influx of new members since the start of the year following its Harry Colt centenary celebrations last summer.
The club's membership surge is defying national trends, with Golf England reporting 15,000 fewer members across English golf courses this month compared to the same time in 2022.
Founded in 1873, Oxford Golf Club was the original club of Oxford University.
The rise in membership comes after several upgrades, including a large investment in its greens, the introduction of a state-of-the-art irrigation system, and a waste-to-water facility.
Steve Greenwood, general manager at Oxford Golf Club, said: "We’re really pleased to see membership continue to rise at the club despite an inevitable drop in playing numbers nationally following an extraordinary period of growth for golf.
"Conditions on the course have unquestionably contributed to our positive start to the year with members now experiencing the benefits of our investment into improving playing conditions thanks to the work of our green keeping team.
“We’ve also placed a strong focus on bolstering our winter societies and making the club a welcoming place to players old and new while continuing to deliver good value for money through our visitor green fees.”
Despite one of the wettest periods on record, the club has kept its 18 holes, designed by golf architect Harry Colt, operational through the winter and spring.
Mr Greenwood believes this is due to the course's sandy loam base which enables good winter drainage, and the introduction of rope drainage technology on the course’s greens.
This technology is a steel mesh wrapped in fibreglass which channels water through a narrow tube without gravitational support.
He said: "Providing a quality playing surface all year round is our biggest priority.
"Despite the persistent rain, our course has been completely functional this year which we’re very proud of.
"Members now expect 12 months of golf for their annual membership.
"With winters supposedly becoming wetter, play all year round on clay-based courses isn’t possible so we are at a huge advantage regarding the quality of our course in all seasons."
He added: “We’re looking forward to a busy few months as the season gets into full swing soon with a number of charity events, newly promoted Oxford United’s annual golf day in September and our 125th anniversary celebrations of Oxford City Club in August all planned for.”
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