Over hundred years of golfing history is set to come to end at North Oxford Golf Club next year after it was announced that the club is to close in order to make way for a major housing development.
The club, which was founded in 1907, is located just three miles from Oxford city centre, and has been selected to be part of a development of 1,180 homes to help meet the city’s housing shortage.
The club’s 450 members were informed that the club will close a few weeks ago.
Ian Middleton, who represents Kidlington South on the district council, and is opposed to the housing development, said: “Even though I’m not a golfer, I appreciate how precious this course is to the members of the club.
It’s been maintained and nurtured for well over 100 years and provides a valuable resource for those seeking some gentle recreation.
This is especially important for older people, particularly women who I know regard the club and the course as a haven that allows them to exercise in a safe and secure environment.
He added: “Many of the trees have been there since the course was first laid and represent a vital carbon sink in an area surrounded by roads and other proposed developments that will generate harmful emissions.
A significant amount of this vital green infrastructure is likely to be lost during the development which I think would represent an act of wanton environmental vandalism.”
IMPACT OF CLOSURE
Jill Northover, who has been a member at North Oxford since 2001, says the closure of the club will have a devastating impact on many of the members, particularly the older ones.
She said: “We are going to close, we are accepting that, but there is an awful lot of sadness about the fact that they’re going to build houses and destroy the green land, but there is also a wider issue.
For a lot of people, coming here is a lifeline. It’s not just about houses, it’s about people and their lives. One member who is 90 comes here every day.
It’s people like him I just feel so sorry for. The loss of spaces like this can lead to increased isolation and a decline in physical and mental well-being.”