Focus On: The Oxfordshire
When I heard The Oxfordshire had been added to the OGC Collection, it wasn't about when to play it, but how to play it.
I first played The Oxfordshire in 2019 having been invited to a somewhat eclectic golf society, an odd group with varying handicaps and characters. Over the two days we had opposite wind directions, with speeds in excess of 50mph, the company and the golf were hard, hard work.
I always knew I’d like to return and with the course being added to the OGC Collection I had my perfect excuse. I’m part of a regular 4 ball that plays at least once a week. We don’t mind travelling so the 90 minute drive wasn’t an obstacle. However, one round wasn’t going to be enough for me.
Sadly, like many golf clubs, The Oxfordshire is a tad remote. The nearest pub is a taxi drive away (for those without dedicated drivers). If we were going to do an overnighter then we’d need to combine it with some entertainment, hotel bars can be notoriously dull.
I did remember that there were TV’s in the bars (daytime 19th hole and a fantastic balcony bar in the evening). The plan was to combine the trip with an England match during the Euros. We couldn’t get the Scotland match so we went for the Czech match on the following Tuesday.
We checked for available tees on The Oxfordshire website, a 3pm on the Tuesday and 11am on the Wednesday, perfect. A quick call to the hotel to confirm room availability and we were in business. No bookings on the OGC website so we booked the room and then called the Pro Shop to confirm those tee times, giving our OGC numbers and names.
Due to the restrictions on course bookings we needed to clear the second day with the OGC concierge, who couldn’t have been more helpful.
So… Two rounds of golf, twin rooms with breakfast, £55 per person. This was the midweek rate, weekends are more expensive. An absolute bargain, nonetheless.
The course played beautifully both days. It’s a tough round with deep rough on most holes. However, since it’s a stadium course, many of the holes are banked so you have to be pretty wayward to get in trouble. There’s water, a fair bit of it, but nothing too scary. The signature hole 17th is a fantastic par 5 with a risk and reward 2nd shot over 150 yards of water, if you dare!!
The balcony bar is a delight on a summer’s evening. A great place to chill with a few cold ones!
Speak to the OGC concierge to arrange two consecutive days of golf.
Enjoy the view from the balcony bar below…!
