Amateur event is launched at Slaley

Jul 19 2008 by Tim Taylor, The Journal

SLALEY Hall yesterday announced a new event, The De Vere Collection Amateur Open, which will take place on August 25.

This will be the day after The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship comes to a climax and will also be played on Slaley’s Hunting Course. The amateurs will be treading the same lush fairways negotiated by Ryder Cup heroes Sam Torrance, Constantino Rocca and Gordon Brand Jr, plus former Open Championship winner Bob Charles, in the PGA Seniors tournament.

Slaley’s golf operations manager Mark Stancer said: “This is a unique chance for amateur golfers to follow in the footsteps of legends. It will be the closest opportunity they may have to play in a professional environment, as the Dave Thomas-designed course will be in peak condition and the grandstands from the PGA Seniors tournament will still be in place.”

Slaley are also offering a Sunday/Monday deal. On the Sunday, amateur golfers can play Slaley’s Priestman Course, watch the finish to the PGA Seniors tournament and stop over in the four-star Slaley Hall hotel on Sunday night.

The stop-over package includes dinner in the restaurant, breakfast and lunch after the golf, as well as a place in the De Vere Collection Amateur Open. Stancer said: “This is an excellent opportunity to pick up hints and tips watching the final round of the professional tournament before tackling the same course the following day.”

The De Vere Collection Amateur Open costs £125 per person to enter, which includes lunch and prizes. To make your reservation, or for further information, ring (01434) 676515.

The Sunday/Monday play, stay, eat and play again package costs £199, including entry to The De Vere Collection Amateur Open. To take up that option, ring central reservations at Slaley on (08706) 063606.

For anybody happy just to watch the four-day PGA Seniors tournament, which starts on Thursday August 21, youngsters aged under 16 get in to Slaley Hall free.

Normal daily tickets are £10, four-day tickets £20. But a better bet is to ring the ticket hotline on (01675) 477812 and buy a pair of tickets at the same price under a special two-for-one offer. That means adults can watch the tournament for £2.50 a day with free car parking.

:: SEE next Saturday’s Journal for the start of the build-up to our Champion of Champions tournament.