Northumberland 3 Day Golf Event growing every year
Jan 7 2010 by Tim Taylor, The Journal
IF Northumberland is a hidden gem of the British tourist industry, then the Northumberland 3 Day Golf Event is one of the county’s best unkept secrets.
Only 34 players took part during the inaugural season of 2007, but the figure has almost tripled since and, with Alnmouth’s breathtaking Foxton Hall course on the 2010 list of venues for the first time, it is almost certain golfers will need to book early.
Players compete on three courses for one tournament entry fee of £36 – Bellingham on Tuesday August 10, Alnmouth on August 11 and Rothbury on August 12. Some good judges rate Alnmouth as the best course in the county in terms of combining challenging holes with scenic coastal splendour. The fourth oldest club in England, it was formed in 1869.
The club’s secretary-manager Peter Simpson, who has procured an event sponsor in Belhaven Best beer, said: “The Northumberland 3 Day Golf Event is something Alnmouth are delighted to be part of. It attracts golfers not only from other parts of the country, but also members of other golf clubs in the North East. We hope it will get bigger and bigger.”
The event is organised by Rothbury marketing officer Anne Brown, who said: “What links the three courses is that they are all on land owned by the Duke of Northumberland.
“The Northumberland Estates, who manage his business interests, donate the trophies and, after the last of the three tournaments, we present them during a Northumbrian dinner at Rothbury. The event always has a good atmosphere and some golfers make a week’s family holiday out of it.”
GOLFERS enter the fourball betterball stableford event as pairs, gents or mixed. For an entry form, email marketing@rothburygolfclub.com or telephone 0191 215 0268.
For guidance on places to stay in Rothbury, use the same contact details to get in touch with Anne Brown. At Alnmouth, there is also accommodation at the golf club. Email Peter Simpson on secretary@alnmouthgolfclub.com or phone 01665 830231, ext 4.
For where to stay in Bellingham, email Craig Wright, who was confirmed as the new secretary in September, on admin@bellinghamgolfclub.com or ring 01434 220530. The Alnmouth club are offering a £175 package, which includes tournament entry for the three days’ play plus two nights’ dinner, bed and breakfast.
