Golfers from across England journeyed to Oxfordshire’s oldest course on Monday to mark the 100-year anniversary of its redesign by legendary architect Harry Colt.
Oxford Golf Club held the Colt Invitational as part of the centenary celebrations by inviting members of Colt-designed courses dotted across England to participate in the competition.
The Cowley venue, which has had golf played on its land dating back to 1873, was redesigned in the 1920s by Colt with 95 per cent of his original layout still operational today.
It’s one of 115 courses Colt designed independently with others including the world-famous Wentworth Club and British Masters venue Sunningdale plus Muirfield, Royal Portrush and Royal Liverpool.
Following a shotgun start at 11am, players gathered in the clubhouse and on the patio overlooking the 18th green for a special barbecue and end-of-day presentations. Winners on the day included Amber Rees, Marianne Montgomery, Nick O’Byrne and Paul Martin of Moor Park Golf Club who scored 83 points.
Nick O’Byrne also won the Closest to the Pin competition with John Batchelor winning the Nearest to the Pin in Two category. John Barton also marked the day with a hole in one on the 15th.
Before players packed away their drivers, irons and putters, each visiting club was also presented with a copy of Oxford Golf Club’s Centenary Book to keep for their records.
Steve Greenwood, General Manager at Oxford Golf Club, said: “As one of few Colt designed courses in England, we were pleased to deliver the first Colt Invitational to form part of our centenary celebrations.
“We’re proud of our course’s history and the 100-year anniversary serves as the perfect excuse to unite other Colt venues and share our experiences of playing on his legendary layouts.
“Mr Colt is arguably the finest course architect to walk the planet. His courses are held in high esteem which guarantees a fun round with a few challenges along the way.”
Although the course layout has remained a constant in the last 100 years, other aspects of Oxford Golf Club have been tweaked to deliver a quality through-the-door and playing experience to both members and guests.
Steve added: “Golf has experienced a significant shift in recent years regarding not only how the game is played, but also the public’s perception of the sport.
“Gone are the days of golf being associated with wealth and exclusivity. Instead, the sport is now very inclusive, recording record participation figures as people look to take up a new challenge which mixes being outside, keeping active and being part of a thriving social environment.”
Further information about the club is available via Home – Oxford Golf Club
