WITH the arrival of the no-expense-spared Close House on the North-East golf scene, another relative newcomer in Northumberland has good reason to be grateful for pitching its market below the top level.

Close House, in the Tyne Valley, seems certain to take business away from Slaley Hall and Matfen, but golf officials at Longhirst Hall are confident they will be unaffected.

The development of this 36-hole complex on a former open-cast mining site three miles north of Morpeth has been quite remarkable, with the better course being considered good enough to attract the Europro Tour for the second successive year.

This is the third tier of European golf and involves some who have played on the full tour as well as aspiring young professionals such as last year’s winner, Stuart Archibald. He shot a course record 65 before winning in a play-off with Australian David Gaunt, who is now a full European Tour player.

The hotel at Longhirst is an extension of the imposing manor house, which dates back to the 1820s and stood in a 4,000-acre estate.

It was requisitioned by the army in the second world war, then became an approved school until it closed in 1982, then suffering a decade of decay before being restored.

The continuing development of the hotel saw a plush spa opened last summer and the site is also home to Morpeth Cricket, Tennis and Hockey Club. In addition to floodlit tennis courts and an allweather hockey and football pitch, there are two cricket grounds, with the main one near the hotel being one of the most attractive in the North-East. Durham seconds use it for four days every year.

Although the clubhouse is only four years old, Longhirst’s original golf course opened in 1997 with 18 fairly bland holes, which have developed nicely and now form the bulk of the Dawson course, named after the club’s founder.

Now 78 and living in nearby Ashington, Tom Dawson was cutting down his involvement in the Dawson Sanderson travel agency and wanted a new project.

Golf manager Graham Chambers said: “When we opened there were waiting lists everywhere at golf clubs and Tom wanted something affordable with different price points.

“He also wanted something a bit more relaxed and social than places like Slaley. We have pitched ourselves below where they see themselves, especially as we knew the corporate market would diminish.

“We now have 1,300 members. A lot come from North Tyneside, where there’s no shortage of courses. We really benefit from having two courses and we offer something different, with all the water. Our annual fee is only £375, or they can pay £125 plus £8 a round.”

Although the actual landscape is flat and uninspiring, 44 lakes and ponds have been created on the two courses, the championship standard one being known as the Lakes Course.

Thousands of tons of sand were mixed with the heavy clay, resulting in the courses being playable all year, and 50,000 trees were planted, while a few ducks and geese were introduced.

“People who couldn’t cope with them brought them in cardboard boxes,” said Chambers. “Now we have hundreds and there are eight pairs of nesting swans, plus deer and otters.

“All 36 holes are always open and some members actually prefer the Dawson course, so it is well used. We have packages starting at £30 for visiting parties, going up to £45 if they want to play both courses.

“The hotel also does golf deals and some players bring their wives, who can head north to Alnwick or south to the Metro Centre.”

Nine holes on the Lakes Course involve either a carry over water or a close flirtation with it, the highlights being the sixth and the 17th.

The former measures only 135 yards, which is a pleasure in itself. given the modern trend for 200-yard par threes.

An elevated tee offers a good view of a green almost entirely surrounded by water, although there is a 15- foot entrance down the left side.

This reflects the fact that, despite all the water, there is always a safe way to play, and the magnificent 17th is no exception.

A gentle climb up the parfive 16th, which measures 600 yards from the championship tee, offers a pleasing panorama of the entire estate, which is also visible from the 17th tee.

The hole measures 368 yards from the yellow boxes and there is a lake on the left and another about 230 yards ahead, just beyond where the fairway veers left through a narrow neck between the two bodies of water.

The fairway is wide enough to play safe, but the closer to the neck you drive the better, allowing a relatively short iron into a green flanked on either side by a small pond.

The last hole is the third of the par fives on a course which is not unduly long at 5,643 yards off the standard tees, whereas the Dawson measures 6,446 and has a par of 73.

• The Europro Tour event at Longhirst, known as the Rusty’s Travel Classic, comprises a pro-am on June 21 followed by a 54-hole event over the following three days.

The £39,185 prize fund includes £10,000 for the winner.

FACTFILE

Golf breaks at Longhirst are as follows:
• £95 golf, dinner, bed & breakfast, includes 2 rounds of golf & three-course dinner (1 night)
• £155 golf, dinner, bed & breakfast, includes 3 rounds of golf & three-course dinner (2 nights)
• £205 golf, dinner, bed & breakfast, includes 3 rounds of golf & three-course dinner (3 nights)

These rates are per person based on two people sharing. A single supplement of £10 per single occupancy room Further information: tel 01670 79500 (hotel), 791562 (golf shop); website: www.longhirstgolf.co.uk; email:enquiries@longhirst.co.uk