De Vere Slaley Hall has welcomed a plethora of in-form Senior Tour legends this week for the highly-coveted ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship. The championship got underway this Thursday morning over the resort’s stunning Hunting Course in Northumberland. Immaculate playing conditions have been presented to the stellar line-up of players that is headlined by ex-Ryder Cup captains Mark James and Sam Torrance, as well as the likes of Barry Lane, Gary Wolstenholme – a two-time winner in 2012, Senior Tour legend Carl Mason, reigning Order of Merit Champion Peter Fowler and defending champion Andrew Oldcorn.
Taking place over four rounds, the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship is a highlight in the European Senior Tour calendar and offers a world-class display of tournament golf in the North-East.
Ryder Cup legend Mark James set the early clubhouse lead after posting an opening round of 5 under 67, indicating that low scores and plenty of birdies will be on show this weekend. With several other of the headline players already under-par, Slaley Hall looks set to provide another excellent showcase.
“The field is superb and we’re over-the-moon that the players continue to visit and help make this a fantastic event. We’ve been working hand-in-hand with both the new headline sponsor ISPS Handa and the PGA in an effort to promote and increase the accessibility of the sport amongst new groups of people. They have been fantastic and it’s been interesting learning about the work they do,” commented Daniel Hodson, De Vere’s Director of Golf, Leisure and Spa. “Everyone has been quick to praise the course, which is in fantastic condition and has been expertly prepared by our Golf Courses and Estate Manager Steve Cram and his team. I’m sure we’ll provide a stern but fair challenge that will make great viewing for the galleries, and we’ll welcome another very worthy winner on Sunday afternoon.”
The event is hosted by the De Vere Club, the pioneering membership scheme which has welcomed Freddie Flintoff and Harry Redknapp as Ambassadors. The golf and leisure membership has been championed for its flexibility and affordability by offering golfers the chance to play 16 premium golf courses at 11 De Vere venues across the UK, for an initial payment of just £295. The courses include championship host venue Slaley Hall and The Carrick on Loch Lomond, as well as European Tour Q-School venue, Wychwood Park.
The ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship will be competed from 7-10th June over the picturesque Hunting course at Slaley Hall. Spectators are welcome throughout the week of the tournament, with tickets available to download free from www.devere.co.uk/golf