Rockliffe Hall clinches European golf tournament
Rockliffe Hall has secured the deal to host the English Senior Open for 2013 and 2014.
The five-star hotel in Hurworth, County Durham, will host the likes of former Ryder Cup captains, Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrance at the event, which will take place from October 4-6 2013.
Last played in 2007, the tournament, with a prize fund of £200,000, will be the biggest of its kind to be held in the North East region and thousands of spectators are expected.
Rockliffe's course was designed by Marc Westonborg from Hawtrees and, thanks to its design, it remains open all year round and has no winter greens.
Rockliffe Hall chairman Warwick Brindle said: "We are delighted to be hosting a major European Senior Tour event and this will be the biggest tournament of its kind to be held in the North East for many years.
"Our region really is on the map for world-class sporting events, having recently hosted The Ashes at Chester-le-Street, and we're incredibly excited to be able to bring thousands of visitors to the region in October. Not only is this a tremendous boost for Rockliffe Hall but also a superb opportunity to showcase this beautiful region."
James Ramsbottom, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: "This is a great coup for Rockliffe Hall and another tremendous example of how the North East is being recognised as an excellent location for top sporting events. I am sure the venue will deliver a superb occasion.
"As well as the immediate economic impact, it will give a global audience the chance to see all that Tees Valley and the wider North East has to offer. I'm convinced they will like what they see and the region's reputation will be even further enhanced."
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