Frilford Heath Golf Club

Our History

1908
1909
1920
1921
1928
1931
1961
1964
1974
1975
1984
1987
1992
1994
2008
2013
2014
2018

lease from Magdalen College

1908

The founders of the club, H S Challenor, A E Preston & T Skurray lease land from Magdalen College and work commences to build the first 18 hole course. Designed by JH Taylor
a 36 hole Exhibition match officially opens the course.

1909

Harry Vardon v J H Taylor
The match was all square at lunch. Vardon won the match 5 up with 3 to play.
an Exhibition Match - Professionals v Amateurs

1920

The famous professional, JH Taylor played with JH Turner (the club Professional) against 2 leading amatuer members, Cyril Tolley & Roger Wethered. Both subsequently become Walker Cup players and Captains of the R & A.
original clubhouse lost in a fire

1921

The pretty wooden and thatched clubhouse housing Professional's workshop and cycle sheds was completely destroyed.
a 9 hole course is added

1928

JH Turner, the club's resident Professional, designs an additional 9 hole course. The holes all still exist today, now being the 9 holes of the Green course beyond the Tubney Road.
Ryder Cup trial

1931

Prior to the match played in USA in 1931, there were 2 "trials" for the 24 man squad, the second being played at Frilford Heath on 7 March 1931.
Gold Medal

1961

In the 1960's many top club's introduced 36 hole amateur scratch competitions to bring prestige and publicity to their clubs. Friford Heath introduced the "Gold Medal". This has been won by our own leading Amatuer members over the years -
2006 - Eddie Pepperell
2005 - Sean Ellott
2004 - Ashley Walton
1986 - Simon Walker
New clubhouse and a further 9 holes built

1964

The present clubhouse was for a numer of years a country residence for Mr A T West. The club bought the property from his executors and were then able to enjoy an enlarged clubhouse. It was also possible to build a further 9 holes, so that the club now played over two 18 hole golf courses, the "Red" and the "Green".
Thomas Cook Pro Am

1974

is played at Friford Heath in aid of "Save The Children". Leading professionals of the 1970's played in the event, including Peter Alliss, Brian Barnes, Neil Coles, Bernard Hunt, Christie O'Connor, Peter Oosterhuis, Peter Townsend & Dai Rees, among others.
Dickie Eyles

1975

Dickie was born and grew up playing golf at Frilford Heath first at the age of 4 when he was taken out on the course by his grandfather Cyril Viney. Dickie went on to represent England and played in the 1975 Walker Cup, hitting the opening drive of the tournament.
England v France

1984

The annual amateur matches between England and France had first been played in 1934, but had lapsed in the 1960's. The matches were revived in 1982 in Chantilly. In 1984 the home match was played at Frilford Heath, with the club presenting the trophy still played for today. Well known players in 1984 were for France a 17 year old Jean Van de Velde and for England, Peter McEvoy and David Lane (Goring & Streatley).
English Amateur Championship

1987

The competition for leading Amateur's comprised 36 hole scratch medal with the top 64 players moving to a knock-out format. The matches were played over a composite course, the front nine of the Red course and 3rd to 6th, then 14th to 18th on the Green course. The winner was Kevin Weeks, who beat Bobby Eggo in the final.
Ladies British Open Amatuer Stroke Play Championship

1992

In 1992 this prestigeous Ladies Amateur event was played at the club.
The Blue Course

1994

In 1992 the club bought a neighbouring pig farm. The land was developed into what is now the club's third 18 hole championship golf course. The Architect was local Simon Gidman. Pictured the course was officially opened in 1994 by the then Chairman of the company Joe Skelton and the Captain Barry Mainstone.
Centenary

2008

In 2008 the club celebrated 100 years since the formation of the club. The England v France Internation returned to the club. Players in these matches included for England Danny Willett, Chris Wood & Gary Wolstenholme. Victor Dubuisson played for France. The Club Competition, the Centenary Trophies was also created in celebration
English Amateur Championships

2013

Hosted on the Red Course, this event was won by Callum Shinkwin, who beat Matt Fitzpatrick 4 & 3 in the final.

Photo Credit: Oxford Mail
European Tour - 1st stage qualifying

2014

Our first Q School was hosted in 2014 on the Red Course off the Black Tees, this event is celebrated each year with the Black Tee Challenge. Members and Visitors can play the course as set up for the championships, in a individual stableford competition. A highlight of many golfing calendars!
Brabazon Trophy

2018

Englishman Nick Poppleton won the Brabazon Trophy in a tense playoff against South African, Wilco Nienaber. A highlight of the amateur golfing calendar in 2018

"I play golf at many clubs around the UK and I never fail to return to Frilford believing I belong to the best club! Nothing I have played comes close to what we offer . . ."

Member

"The courses are simply fantastic with each one representing its own unique challenges and the ability to choose from three courses maximises my enjoyment of the game"

Member

"As it always is, the course was in sensational condition and it made for the perfect day. The bar staff were superb afterwards again and the whole experience made me feel very proud to call Frilford my home Club.“

Member

“We had an excellent day at Frilford Heath for our Autumn Meeting last week. thank you to all at Frilford. The lunch was excellent; indeed, the chef showed much flexibility by bringing the timing forward. And the courses were in their usual good condition”

Old Gregorian’s 2019

"Frilford Heath is a very inclusive golf club with 3 quality courses, each providing a different challenge to all levels of golfers. From the juniors to the seniors there are plenty of friendly and welcoming faces alongside the helpful pro shop team and clubhouse staff. A trip to Frilford is a pleasure for anyone"

Charlie Haynes, Past Junior Captain

"Being a member of the Ladies Section at Frilford Heath gives me the greatest choice of competitive and social golf. The courses are always presented at their best for our competitions and with 80 playing ladies we enjoy a full calendar of mixed as well as ladies golf, some of it quite fiercely competitive but there’s plenty of fun and lots of friendship too!"