Historic Golf Course Closes After 118 Years, Locals Lament Loss of Green Space

In a bittersweet turn of events, a beloved 118-year-old golf course in the local area is set to close its doors on November 7, 2025. The site, owned by Oxford University, Merton College, and Exeter College, has been sold for a staggering £4.3 million to make way for a 1,000-property housing development.

The proposed sale has been met with strong opposition from a group of members, dubbed the "Greenway group," who fought in vain to resist the acquisition. However, the owners' decision has prevailed, leaving the local community to grapple with the impending loss of this cherished green space.

Jill Northover, a member of the club for over two decades, expressed the "great sadness" felt by many, as they now scramble to find alternative golf clubs. "People are having to go to various other clubs, and some of which are now full because there are so many of us needing to move," Northover lamented.

The closure of the golf course not only disrupts the lives of its members but also deprives the community of a valuable asset. As David Young, a member of nearly 50 years, eloquently stated, "It's the physical exercise, the mental wellbeing you get from the sport, making friends, having a chat afterwards, playing competitions if you want to" – all of which will be lost with the course's shuttering.

While the local council has proposed a new golf site at Frieze Farm as part of a local plan, the transition remains uncertain, leaving many members uncertain about their future golfing options.