A North East golf tournament is making a welcome return after a 27-year hiatus.

The returning Darlington Classic golf tournament is to be played at Darlington Golf Club on Sunday (August 4) - with the event set to be a qualifier for the Durham County Order of Merit.

Darlington golf fans can go and see the elite golfers of the north play it out over the 36-hole tournament

Hundreds of spectators and avid golf fans are expected to attend, and there has been much interest and enthusiasm for the return of an event that plays such an important part in the club's history.

The resurrection of the classic is part of the new committee's strategy of breathing a new lease of life into the club as they aim to attract more members.

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John Austin, present chairman of the committee, whose family has been involved in the club for more than 50 years said he is excited at the prospect of the historic tournament returning to Darlington.

The golf club originated in 1908 on Glebe Road in Darlington, with a nine-hole course, moving to Haughton Grange in 1915 to an 18-hole course designed by the celebrated golf course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie, who designed many famous courses including the Augusta National, home to the US Masters.

The Darlington Classic is a 36-hole scratch event, with an entry fee of £35 and a prize fund of £1,300, with the winner receiving £700.