Golf at Sedbergh School: year-round training and leading UK courses

Golf at Sedbergh School is enjoying a period of strong growth, with participation at an all-time high and an increasingly ambitious programme of year-round training, fixtures and tours. As an independent full boarding school in the north of England, Sedbergh gives pupils the opportunity to combine competitive golf with a broad academic and co-curricular education.

A total of 96 pupils now play golf across the School, reflecting both the growing popularity of the sport and the strength of the opportunities available. For the first time, golf now operates across all three school terms, giving pupils access to year-round practice, competition and development.

A season to remember

The 2026 season was one of the most successful in recent years, combining strong performances with memorable experiences on some of the most respected courses in Britain.

The campaign began with a two-day tour to Newcastle before continuing north into Scotland. Pupils played championship golf at Close House, followed by a fixture at Craigielaw against Merchiston Castle School and a match at Muirfield against the Old Sedberghians.

These occasions offered far more than competitive experience. They gave pupils the opportunity to test themselves on courses shaped by the history and traditions of the game, while learning to adapt to unfamiliar conditions and demanding opposition.

One of the highlights of the year came at Royal Birkdale, where pupils played an Open Championship venue prepared to tournament standard, with grandstands already in place ahead of The Open.

The season concluded with a 2–1 victory at Formby Golf Club. In testing links conditions, Sedbergh’s players demonstrated resilience, composure and maturity throughout the day.

Outstanding courses and competitive opportunities

A defining feature of golf at Sedbergh is the quality and variety of the courses pupils are able to experience.

Recent and forthcoming venues include St Andrews, Muirfield, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Close House, Craigielaw, Formby, Royal Musselburgh, Luffness and Carus Green.

The programme also includes fixtures in the National Cup, matches at JCB Uttoxeter, Prestbury and Preston Golf Club, and the ISGA Northern Schools Competition at Oulton Hall.

For pupils, these opportunities bring together competition, challenge and enjoyment. Playing a broad range of parkland and links courses helps them develop course management, judgement and confidence, as well as the ability to respond positively when conditions become difficult.

Looking ahead

The next golfing calendar promises another exciting season.

A pre-season tour will take pupils to Royal Musselburgh, Craigielaw, St Andrews and Luffness, before the programme continues with a full schedule of fixtures and competitions across England and Scotland.

The Summer Term will see pupils return to many of Britain’s leading golfing venues, including Close House, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Craigielaw, Muirfield, Carus Green and Formby Hall.

A growing part of Sedbergh sport

Golf at Sedbergh has never been stronger.

With increasing participation, year-round provision and a fixture list that gives pupils regular access to outstanding courses, the sport is becoming an increasingly important part of School life.

Just as importantly, golf reflects many of the qualities at the heart of Sedbergh sport: commitment, resilience, sportsmanship and enjoyment. Experienced players lead by example, younger talent continues to emerge, and pupils support one another as they develop their game.

As the programme continues to grow, golf is establishing itself as a distinctive and ambitious part of the Sedbergh sporting experience.

Quick Golf Q&A

• Who leads Sedbergh’s golf programme?  Mr. Stuart Oliver, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) enthusiastically leads our golf programme.
• Do we provide lessons? Yes, lessons are held at Carus Green Golf club with a pro and our pupils have access to their Trackman driving ranges. Our pro is a freelance PGA professional and lessons are at an hourly cost.  He can do individual or group lessons.
• Do we take beginners, or is some level of golf experience/skill needed to join in? Pupils with any level of golfing experience and skill are welcome to play. Lessons are offered for any ability.
• How often do different groups train? Pupils play every Thursday in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms as well playing fixtures on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Golf can be played everyday in Summer… even Sundays!!
• Is there video or swing analysis? While we don’t yet offer swing analysis on site, however, it is available at Carus Green.
• Is strength and conditioning available? Yes, always, with our trained gym staff.
• Can pupils maintain or gain an official handicap? Yes and it is strongly encouraged.