Golf clubs

Course

Oxford GC (formerly Southfield GC) is built mainly on sand; the course is extremely well-drained which means conditions are excellent all year round. The club is conveniently located only two miles from the very centre of the city, and offers superb views of historic Oxford overlooking the dreaming spires and beautiful surrounding countryside. Golf was first played in 1873 on a course originally laid out by James Braid. The 18-hole course we now see owes much to the renowned course designer Harry Colt, who in the 1920’s made good use of the undulating parkland, mature trees and stunningly beautiful surroundings when he created a new course based partly on Braid’s original designs. The first 3 holes are a really good test. Especially at the Par 4 3rd hole which is Stroke Index 1. The brook lies 290 yards off the tee. When you arrive at the short par 3 fourth hole, don’t forget to look back from the tee to view Oxford's ‘dreaming spires’ beyond. Silhouetted on the skyline are Magdalen's four-pinnacle Tower, the University Church Spire and the dome of the Radcliffe Camera. From the fifth, you can see the headquarters of the Old Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. The fifth and sixth have a links appearance with fantastic undulations on the fairways. From the elevated 7th tee again there are good views across Oxford. The approach to the narrow green favours a straight shot. The par 3 eight usually is one more club than you might first think, it's slightly up hill. The ninth and tenth are both par 5's, both greens have subtle borrows. The members have christened holes 11, 12 and 13 Amen Corner. Matches are often won and lost over these three holes. The 208 yard par 3 twelfth, is documented as being one of Henry Longhurst's favourites. "One of the best par 3 holes in the country." The 13th requires a long carry over the Lye Valley Nature Reserve that is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The challenging par-4 14th is short but deceptive; consider taking an iron from the tee. The 15th is a long par 3 only the finest of golfer could possibly get an Ace here. If you are a right hander, don’t hit a slice from the 16th tee, you probably won’t find your ball. As it is Stroke Index 3 it can be difficult to make a regulation par. The par 3 17th has a three tier green, if you are putting down the green it is usually a fast putt. The 18th is a par 5 only 476 yards but it is protected by three lakes front side and back. Only the very longest off the tee can attempt the green in two. For the average player it’s a layup for the second and try for a birdie with a good chip, nerves and skill permitting.

• Number of holes: 18
• Par: 70
• Yardage: 6230