What do we do?

About Us

Background

The Berks Bucks and Oxon Union of Golf Clubs was formed on 17th March 1924. The Union is a non profit making organisation that devotes its resources to the administration and development of competitive amateur golf in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. At present the Union comprises of 102 Golf Clubs (including Artisans).

Financing

BB&O Golf is financed principally through subscriptions paid by every male playing member of an affiliated golf club.

Management

The BB&O is managed by its Board members with the day-to-day affairs being carried out by the Executuve Officer’s Office. Board members are elected from various affiliated golf clubs within the county.

Mission Statement

BB&O Golf Ltd will serve BB&O clubs and help them administer competitive amateur golf within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire whilst also creating the very best environment to support young golfers and ensure they have every opportunity to pursue a performance pathway which creates future Ryder Cup players.

Championships & Tournaments

BB&O Golf organises and subsidises championships and tournaments for men, boys, seniors and clubs. Without exception they are administered to the highest standards and are at some of the best venues within the county. The BB&O Amateur Championship qualifies for World Amateur ranking points. 

Performance and County Teams

As competitive golf has evolved, BB&O have taken a more player centric approach to performance. If a talented player within the county structure is to make it onto the world stage, they will probably now follow a predictable “player pathway”. From playing for the county they will normally progress to regional recognition and then national representation. This national recognition will normally then allow the player to sign up for a subsidised scholorship with an American College which ultimately allows them to develop their game at the very highest level. As a county, we recognise that such a player requires individual support and oversight as well as the traditional team environment. Our Elite Performance Program is constantly evolving to do just that and as we are funded by BB&O club members, we can all take pride in players who graduate to the various world tours.

BB&O Golf supports the First Team, The Seniors, The Junior Elite (Under 18’s), Under 16’s and Under 14s County Teams. We arrange home venues, coaching, management, equipment and entries. Our First Team, Seniors, Junior Elite and Under 16s compete in the South Eastern Region Leagues as well as National Qualifying events and Finals.

Course Rating

You may have wondered how the Rating and “Slope” of your course is determined. BB&O Golf, through its Course Rating Team of experts, surveys each course on rotation and ensures that the rating value of each course has been assessed in accordance to strict guidelines. In 2020 the World Handicapping Scheme was introduced and our teams of raters assess courses in line with USGA guidelines for “slope”.

Handicaps

Although computer systems now handle the day-to-day alterations of handicaps, disputes and advice are handled by the BB&O Office. We visit our affiliated clubs to ensure that they are comfortable with their responsibilities and offer an “induction” service for new Handicap Secretaries and committees. We liaise with England Golf on your behalf as well as help clubs with rules and course set up queries that have an impact on qualifying competitions. We are responsible, along with other County Unions, for ensuring that handicaps are handled with consistency throughout the country.

County Card

The County Card is free of charge to all members of BB&O clubs that take part in the scheme. It provides the opportunity to play more than 1,300 clubs who offer special rates throughout the country. The County Card is continually being updated and the BB&O is leading the way on this and is responsible for the administration on behalf of all participating counties. If you are an affiliated member of a participating BB&O club and want to apply for a County Card click here.

Club Support

We are fully committed to overseeing competitive golf by helping our affiliated clubs who deal with the day to day business of running club competitions and opens. We are always on hand to support clubs with handicapping and rules and regularly look to financially support grass roots golf, in particular the development of junior programs at clubs.

Summary

To summarise: Teams, Championships, Rules, Handicaps, Course Rating and Talent Identification are all functions of BB&O Golf. Funded by each and every male playing member of an affiliated club, BB&O Golf ensures that the superstars of tomorrow are constantly being given the environment in which to succeed. Every member of an affiliated club directly contributes to the continuing success of English golf and beyond. Golfers who have come through our system have gone on to play on tour, been part of Ryder Cup Teams and one even made it to World Number One! On tour currently, look out for past BB&O players Luke Donald, Tyrell Hatton and Eddie Pepperell.

BB&O Golf Limited (formarly known as BB&O Union of Golf Clubs) incorporated in 2017. Please find below the Articles of Association and the Rules of the Company. 

Mission Statement

BB&O County Golf serves BB&O Clubs and helps them administer competitive amateur golf within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire whilst also creating the very best environment to support young golfers and ensure they have every opportunity to pursue a performance pathway which creates future Ryder Cup Players.

 

Primary Objectives

Performance

  • To run County Championships and other county competitions.

  • To oversee County Teams that represent the county both regionally and nationally.

  • To use coaching programs and county events to develop talented players.

 

Club Support

  • To ensure that courses within BB&O are rated correctly in accordance with WHS guidelines.

  • To provide our clubs with education and advice on handicapping and rules to ensure the integrity of competition within the county.

  • To run an efficient County Card scheme that adds value to both BB&O clubs and players.

  • To be an effective conduit between BB&O clubs and England Golf and to represent our clubs

    for their benefit when voting on England Golf policy. Our Strategic Priorities

 

Rating Our Performance

  • Both the quality of our championships and our visibility within Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire can be measured by competition entry numbers and player feedback. This information will be reported on at the end of each season and compared to previous years.

  • Metrics will be used to measure the success of our teams and playing individuals compared to previous years. This, along with regular feedback questionnaires will allow us to determine the effectiveness of our Elite Player Development Program.

  • A yearly survey of our Club Managers will be used to determine our relevance and usefulness with regards to competitive golf governance.

 

Governance and Finance

  • BB&O will establish the most effective structure to fulfil its responsibilities.

  • BB&O will ensure that a safe environment is established for all players, coaches and

    volunteers. This will be underpinned by conforming to any regulations and compliance with

    all legal obligations.

  • BB&O will operate robust financial processes and ensure financial transparency. Accounts

    will be made available to affiliated clubs and budgets approved annually by the Board.

  • At any time, an amount equal to eight months of affiliation income will be retained and ring

    fenced by the county.

     

    John Kennedy
    CEO BB&O Golf January 2025

Life Vice Presidents

Past Presidents

wdt_ID wdt_created_by wdt_created_at wdt_last_edited_by wdt_last_edited_at Year Name Club
42 secretary@bbogolf.com 07/02/2025 08:47 AM secretary@bbogolf.com 07/02/2025 08:47 AM 1924/34 Lord Burnham Burnham Beeches
43 secretary@bbogolf.com 07/02/2025 08:47 AM secretary@bbogolf.com 07/02/2025 08:47 AM 1935/50 Lord Nuffield Huntercombe
44 secretary@bbogolf.com 07/02/2025 08:46 AM secretary@bbogolf.com 07/02/2025 08:46 AM 1951/52 Lord Ebury
45 1953/54 Hon. Humphrey Legge
46 1955/57 J N Cheney Ellesborough
47 1958/65 H Oppenheimer Temple
48 1966/67 Cdre. Sir Louis Dickens DFC. AFC. East Berkshire
49 1968/71 J Moir Denham
50 1972/74 A Boddington Frilford Heath
51 1975/77 H Pattinson Ellesborough