Over hundred years of golfing history is set to come to an 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 have been informed that the club will close on October 31, 2025.

The land on which is the club is located is owned by Oxford University.

Ian Middleton, who represents Kidlington South on the district council, and was 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 environmental vandalism.”