Matfen Hall, the luxury five-star country hotel, spa and golf estate in Northumberland, has opened a new 18-hole championship golf course named The Douglas. The course debuted at the weekend alongside a new putting green, The Himalayas, marking the first phase of a multi-million-pound redevelopment.
Course Features and Design
The Douglas combines eight newly-designed greens from the original course, incorporating dry stone walls, natural water obstacles and the meandering River Pont, with a ninth hole from the Standing Stone course. The course is set within the estate's 300 acres of stunning countryside. James Huntly, Matfen Hall's head of marketing, said the course proved very popular with guests during its opening weekend, which was accompanied by perfect weather.
Family-Friendly Additions
Alongside The Douglas, the new 18-hole putting green The Himalayas was also enjoyed by families over the same weekend. Designed to suit everyone from beginners to seasoned players, it adds to the estate's golfing offerings, which already include a nine-hole Dewlaw course.
Future Plans: The Academy
The next phase of the redevelopment will see the launch of The Academy later this summer. This high-tech facility will include a 15-bay driving range and an all-weather 18-hole putting course. James Huntly noted: "We’ve just got a bit more work to complete before we can open The Academy and the rest of the estate. We expect this to be ready within a couple of months and to be welcoming our first guests before the summer is out."
Other Developments in Northumberland
Upgrading plans are also underway at another Northumberland golfing venue, Close House Golf Club at Heddon-on-the-Wall, which earlier this year outlined its intention for continued investment to secure its place as a leading golf destination.
