A Tradition Like No Other: The Oxford vs. Cambridge Varsity Golf Match

Table of Contents

1. An Historic Rivalry
2. Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society
3. The 135th Match
4. Glenmuir's Role In The Varsity Match
5. The Match Structure
6. Beyond The Match
7. The Result of The 135th Varsity Golf Match
8. Looking Beyond

An Historic Rivalry

Within the storied history of golf, few rivalries are as prestigious and rich in tradition as the annual Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Since its inception in 1898, this event has not only showcased the finest amateur golfing talent from two of the world’s most esteemed academic institutions but has also become a cornerstone of British sporting golf heritage perhaps along with The Halford Hewitt. The Varsity Match, recognised as the oldest amateur event in golf, transcends the mere competition of sport. It embodies a celebration of camaraderie, competition, and the craftsmanship that underpins both the game of golf and the communities it brings together.

The Varsity Match is the pinnacle of each team member’s time at Oxford and Cambridge. It is the culmination of all of the year’s hard work both on and off the golf course, which is why every effort is made to hone and perfect all aspects of one’s game in the lead up to this historic week.

Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society

Competing in a Varsity Match makes a player eligible to join the Oxford and Cambridge Golfing Society, a Society founded in 1898 the oldest golfing society in the world.

Membership of the society allows access to play matches against a whole host of other famous societies, not only in the UK, but around the world. Every year the members of the Society take part in the President’s Putter which is held at Rye Golf Club.

The 135th Match

The 135th edition of this historic match, held at the venerable Rye Golf Club which hosts the meeting every five years, was a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and camaraderie that has defined the event for over a century. Here, amidst the coastal breezes and challenging links, students from Oxford and Cambridge vied not just for victory but for the honour of participating in a legacy that has knit generations of golfers together.

The Match Structure

The games take place over four days, starting with the Divots and Stymies match (Oxford and Cambridge’s Second Teams, respectively) unfolding on Wednesday, setting the stage for the rigorous competitions ahead. The Ladies’ match is played on the Thursday of Varsity Week comprising six players,  beginning with 18 holes of morning foursomes, seamlessly transitioning into an 18-hole singles contest in the afternoon.

This is followed with 2 reserves from the Full Blues (First Team) traditionally playing the "Dinner Match" on the Thursday of Varsity Match week: an 18-hole alternate shot foursomes match, followed by an 18-hole singles match. The losing team is responsible for paying the bill for the Varsity Match dinner on the Saturday evening.

As the week progresses, the spotlight turns to the Full Blues match, 10 players from each side, on Friday and Saturday. This segment challenges participants with 36 holes of foursomes and an equally demanding 36 holes of singles, respectively. Competing across these expansive rounds, often under the capricious whims of the weather, tests every golfer’s mettle in a pressure-cooker environment.

The competition’s structure itself reflects its rich history and the values it celebrates. From the reserves’ "Dinner Match" to the culmination of the men’s and ladies’ games, every swing and putt is imbued with a sense of purpose and tradition. The losing team’s responsibility for the Varsity Match dinner bill is a quirky tradition that underscores the event’s camaraderie and the friendly, though fierce, rivalry.

Beyond The Match

But beyond the competition, the Varsity Match is a celebration of the community. It’s a gathering that brings together not just current students but alumni, faculty, and enthusiasts of the game, all united by their passion for golf and the shared history of their institutions. In this sense, the match serves as a living bridge between generations, connecting the past with the present, and knitting together a community with threads of mutual respect and admiration.

The Result of The 135th Varsity Golf Match

This year, dark blue reigned supreme with Oxford securing a comprehensive victory across all fronts – the Dinner Match, the Divots, the Ladies’, and the Men’s Blues – it was the unity and sportsmanship that shone brightest, qualities that Glenmuir has championed throughout its association with the match.

With this 135th match win, Oxford have won thirteen, halved one, and lost one of the last fifteen Varsity Matches. These were held at Royal Porthcawl, Royal Cinque Ports, Hunstanton, Royal St George’s, Royal Liverpool, Royal West Norfolk, Ganton, Rye, Muirfield, Aldeburgh, Formby and Royal Dornoch.

Looking Beyond

As Glenmuir looks forward to continuing its proud tradition of outfitting the Varsity teams, the brand remains committed to the values that have made the Oxford vs. Cambridge match a hallmark of amateur golf. The company’s dedication to quality, tradition, and the spirit of the game is a perfect complement to the ethos of the Varsity Match, making it a partnership built on shared ideals and mutual respect.

In the aftermath of the 135th match, as Oxford celebrates its victory and Cambridge looks ahead to next year, it’s clear that the true winner is the sport of golf itself. Through its embodiment of sportsmanship, tradition, and spirited rivalry, the Varsity Match continues to be a beacon for the values that make golf such a beloved sport. Here’s to the next chapter in this storied rivalry, and to the generations of #GolfersOfGlenmuir who will carry its legacy forward.