Junior golfers at Oxfordshire’s oldest golf club have entered a league for the first time in recent history amid a spike in youth participation.
Based on Hill Top Road in Cowley, Oxford Golf Club’s youth members have joined the regional Golf Sixes league after being invited by national charity The Golf Foundation and the Oxfordshire Junior Golf League.
Over 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.
Launched in 2017, Golf Sixes aims to provide a fun, team-based, introduction to the sport via a six-hole Texas Scramble format. Over 100 leagues have been established nationally, with 8,000 players participating in 2023.
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, is a part of.
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 Home – Oxford Golf Club.
