Why Scottish golfers love Slaley Hall

Over the past decade or so, one of the most popular haunts for such trips has been Slaley Hall, De Vere's splendid resort set in the heart of the picturesque Northumbrian countryside.

Boasting two top-class championship-standard courses, Slaley Hall is one of the UK's top golf resorts and shares the same 'Claret Jug' theme in its 19th Hole that has been established at its sister venue, The Carrick on Loch Lomond.

It staged a European Tour event from from 1996-2002, the winners during that period including two Scots, Colin Montgomerie and Andrew Coltart, as well as a player who has gone on to win two US Opens, Retief Goosen.

More recently, it has become the home of the PGA Seniors' Championship, one of the main events on the European Seniors' Tour, with former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance among those who looks forward to his annual visit to the North-East of England.

The Hunting Course is Slaley Hall's main tournament course. Designed by Dave Thomas, the man who designed Spey Valley and Cardrona in Scotland, it measures 7,000 yards, has a par of 72 and boasts lush sweeping fairways.

The Priestman Course, which was designed by Neil Coles, also extends to 7,000 yards, enjoying stunning views of the Tyne Valley on the west side of the sprawling Slaley Hall estate.

As you'd expect from a place that has become synonymous with top-level tournament golf, the practice facilities are excellent, another reason why Slaley Hall is so popular with golfers looking to make the most of that eagerly-awaited outing or break.

If it's the latter, the accommodation more than matches the standard of the golf courses, an Edwardian mansion housing a luxurious hotel, close to which are a number of lodges furnished to the same high standard.

One of the many appealling aspects about a stay at Slaley Hall is that, once you're there, you don't have to go anywhere else to enjoy the full benefit of a break.

Once you've finished your game of golf, you can relax and unwind in the leisure club before taking your pick from the Duke's Grill, Hadrian's Brasserie or The Claret Jug for dinner.

And, if you're there on a family break, as many people do at Slaley Hall, there's quad biking and clay pigeon shooting for the more adventurous and hiking on six well-mapped trails for those looking for something less exciting but nevertheless enjoyable.

With De Vere Slaley Hall being so accessible from Scotland, it's no surprise that Sam Torrance won't be the only Scot making regular visits there in the future.