The North East has long deserved another world-class golf course. Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, is certainly that - and a whole lot more.
The 300-acre course, which sits next to the River Tees and Middlesbrough Football Club's impressive Hurworth training complex, is the longest 18-holer in Europe at an amazing 7879 yards off the championship tees.
But don't worry, with five tee positions in all - ranging from the women's 5812 yards to 6441 off the yellow, 6786 off white and 7220 off the black tees.
Award-winning course architect Marc Westenborg has created not only one of the longest and most challenging courses in European golf, but a scenic gem in some truly stunning countryside.
The course has also been created with the environment in mind and Westenborg - responsible for a string of top-class courses including Dun Laoghaire in Ireland - incorporated three new lakes and eight beautiful reed beds into his design.
He's also made excellent use of the existing parkland that surrounded the historic Rockliffe Hall, while 25,000 new and mature trees have been planted.
Westenborg has also taken great care with the different grasses he has introduced, the marram that fringes the fairways giving a remarkable links feel and look to the course.
There's also a big emphasis on the bunkering with some fairly spectacularly shaped sand traps, notably around the greens.
It all adds up to a layout that is simply stunning and owes much to contemporary American styling.
What's more, the course is backed by a staggering array of state-of-the-art facilities.
For a start, there's a comprehensive practice and academy facility that features a 300-yard driving range, with both covered and grass teaching bays, a short game practice area with fairway bunkers and a practice putting green.
Tuition, offered by head professional Tom Godwin and his staff, is similarly cutting edge, with the latest video technology.
The stunning 14,000 sq ft clubhouse is wood-clad and blends into the contours of the land.
Nestling just off the 18th green, it exudes quality with luxurious changing rooms (complete with showers and waste bins that even open and close without needing to be touched), a spikes bar and lounge bar with an extensive all-day menu serving "British classics", and panoramic views over the course.
There's also a very well-stocked pro shop while the meet and greet valet service adds a touch of real luxury.
The golf staff at Rockliffe Hall pride themselves on the high level of service they offer, yet the atmosphere is relaxed and informal.
The golfing facilities are just part of the Rockliffe Hall complex though.
The old hall, which dates back to 1774 and had been empty for several years until being bought by Middlesbrough FC in 1996, has now been redeveloped into a 61-bedroom hotel with a top-class restaurant as well as a 50,000 sq ft spa.
