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<\/p>\nMasterstroke – newly 18-hole course set to attract summer crowds<\/p>\n
The Douglas golf course at Matfen Hall in Northumberland<\/p>\n
A new golf course is proving a hit with first players in Northumberland<\/a> where it has made its debut alongside a putting green. Matfen Hall, the country hotel, spa and golf<\/a> estate, has just opened its new attraction which marks the first stage in a multi-million-pound redevelopment that is continuing to drive ahead with plans to up the game.<\/p>\n The luxury five-star estate, set in 300 acres<\/a>, is a favourite with golfers and its new 18-hole championship course, named The Douglas, is the result of an overhaul of facilities. It is in addition to Matfen’s nine-hole Dewlaw course and, when it was unveiled at the weekend, it marked the first opportunity for golfers to check out the new features of the expansive course, set in stunning countryside.<\/p>\n The Douglas combines eight newly-designed greens on the original course – taking in dry stone walls, natural water obstacles and the meandering River Pont – with a ninth from its Standing Stone course and James Huntly, Matfen Hall’s head of marketing, says the result certainly proved very popular with guests at its opening weekend. The launch was accompanied by perfect weather and, over the same weekend, new 18-hole putting green The Himalayas was being enjoyed by families too.<\/p>\n With months of work on the new attractions now complete, the next step will raise the bar at Matfen Hall still further, with the launch later this summer of The Academy. This comprises a high-tech 15-bay driving range plus an all-weather 18-hole putting course.<\/p>\n James said: “We\u2019ve just got a bit more work to complete before we can open The Academy and the rest of the estate. We expect this to be ready within a couple of months and to be welcoming our first guests before the summer is out.\u201d<\/p>\n Upgrading plans are also under way at another Northumberland golfing venue. As previously reported<\/a>, Close House Golf Club at Heddon-on-the-Wall outlined earlier this year its intention for continued investment to secure its place as a leading golf destination.<\/p>\n Read more about that here<\/a>. For more about The Douglas course at Matfen Hall as well as The Himalayas, which is said to be suited to everyone from beginners to seasoned players, see here<\/a>.<\/p>\n We have a dedicated newsletter for What\u2019s On news and reviews. It\u2019s free and you can sign up to receive it here<\/a>. It will keep you up to date with all the latest updates on food, drink, entertainment and events in and around the North East.<\/p>\n