The Oxfordshire Golf Challenge: Monday 28th September 2026

 The Oxfordshire Golf Challenge brings together organisations from across the county for a competitive, high-energy day of golf inspired by the Ryder Cup. Taking place at Frilford Heath Golf Club on Monday 28th September 2026, the event pits two teams — Oxford City versus Oxfordshire County — in a tournament designed to raise vital funds for Raise’25 while celebrating teamwork, camaraderie and friendly rivalry across the business community. 

 Led by team captains Justin Merritt (City) and Ben Procter (County), the challenge mirrors the excitement and structure of the Ryder Cup. Each side will field 40 business golfers, competing across multiple matches throughout the day. Every point contributes to the overall score, with the winning side lifting the prestigious Colin Rosser Cup. Whether you’re representing the blue of Oxford City or the green of Oxfordshire County, this is golf with purpose — and bags of personality. 

Sponsor The Oxfordshire Golf Challenge and showcase your brand to 80 business leaders with hole sponsorship, branding, hospitality and exclusive visibility throughout the event. Limited opportunities available for organisations wanting premium exposure and community impact. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities which include guaranteed places for the event, see HERE.

 The tournament features 2-v-2 matchplay fourballs, ensuring every pairing has the chance to influence the scoreboard. With 40 players per side, every result matters. Just like the traditional Ryder Cup, the magic number is 10½ points — the first team to reach that threshold wins the Colin Rosser Cup. The format guarantees excitement from start to finish, with rapid scoring swings, decisive pairings and plenty of opportunities for standout performances. 

 Businesses and individuals are invited to put themselves forward for selection by the City and County captains. To apply, golfers simply need to apply HERE. 

The fee to enter will be confirmed once we have completed the sponsorship drive which will help us to keep the fee to a minimum. Demand is expected to be extremely high, and with only 80 places available, we encourage early applications. To guarantee your place / places, please see sponsorship options alongside which include places at the event as part of the package.  

 Team captains Justin and Ben will review all entries and select 40 players for City and 40 for County based on golfing ability, balance of team strengths, and enthusiasm for the cause. The final teams will be announced in a live press conference at Frilford Heath Golf Club in April, adding to the drama and excitement. Successful applicants will receive full event details, pairings information and pre-tournament updates. 

  Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Oxfordshire Business Golf Challenge plays an important role in supporting Raise’25’s mission.  The event unites businesses across the region in a shared goal of making a positive difference. The competitive format is fun, but the impact is real — golfers will be contributing directly to the Raise campaign while enjoying one of the county’s most prestigious courses. 

 This challenge is more than a golf day — it’s a networking opportunity, a team-building experience and a chance to represent your community with pride. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or simply love the game, participating offers visibility, connection and a memorable day among Oxfordshire’s business leaders. City or County, every player becomes part of something bigger: a spirited, good-natured rivalry that raises meaningful funds and champions the very best of our region. 

  To give the Oxfordshire Golf Challenge a genuinely premium, Ryder-Cup-style atmosphere, every participant will receive a bespoke embroidered team shirt and cap, in either Oxford City blue or Oxfordshire County green. These will be issued at a special event where the teams will be announced to heighten team spirit and identity. The course itself will feature event signage, branded touchpoints and team photo backdrops, creating a professional, immersive experience that celebrates both the competition and the Raise’25 campaign.