Priestman Course at Slaley Hall prepares to host EuroPro Tour

De Vere Slaley Hall’s Priestman course is prepared to follow the lead set by the resorts renowned Hunting Course, hosting the VEKA & Network VEKA UK Open from 25th -27th August. The resort has enjoyed a busy championship schedule in 2010 and the arrival of the EuroPro Tour, Europe’s leading developmental circuit, further establishes the resort as having two fantastic championship courses.

The 6,951yard Priestman course will provide a stern-test to the EuroPro professionals on their quest for a European Challenge Tour card, the reward for finishing within the top-5 of the Order of Merit standings at the end of the season. With a £10,000 first prize up for grabs at Slaley Hall and only two remaining events left on the EuroPro schedule after the VEKA & Network VEKA UK Open, the 3-day event will be one of the most pressure packed events of the season.

“We are delighted to welcome back the EuroPro Tour to Slaley Hall. The players are the future stars of European golf and I’m sure they’ll enjoy the challenge of the Priestman Course, especially following its recent bunker refurbishment,” commented Keith Pickard, De Vere Slaley Hall Director of Golf & Leisure. “The bunker development has transformed the course and the young professionals of the EuroPro should look forward to playing a very challenging golf course.”

Designed by Neil Coles, the Priestman is widely regarded as Slaley Hall’s ‘second’ course, although it provides a stern challenge measuring almost 7000yards from the championship tees. Offering fantastic views across the Tyne Valley, and set among mature trees, the Priestman enjoys the same picturesque setting as the well established Hunting Course.

Since first hosting top class tournament golf in 1996, hosting the European Tour’s Great North Open, De Vere Slaley Hall has welcomed Major winners, Ryder Cup players and top European players. The picturesque Northumberland resort is also home to the Northumberland County Golf Team, which uses the facilities as their practice headquarters. De Vere’s extensive support of golf at a variety of levels, from grass roots to elite professional competition, ha continued throughout 2010 as the North-East’s premier golf resort continues supporting the game in the North of England.

Further information about the golf facilities available at Slaley Hall can be found by logging onto www.devere.co.uk or by calling the Pro Shop on 01434 673350.