Rockliffe Hall's 'Ryder Cup bid'

'Boro signs Storm to back north-east challenge

Nick Bayly
Fri, 12 Mar 2010
Rockliffe Hall's 'Ryder Cup bid'

It's rare that a new five star golf resort opens in the UK, so Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, near Darlington in Co. Durham, is causing a real stir. Owner Steve Gibson, chairman of Middlesbrough Football Club is also making a determined bid to stage a future Ryder Cup.

Located at Hurworth, alongside Middlesbrough FC's training ground, the £50million Rockliffe development has been more two years in the making and includes a 71-bedroom hotel complex and an 18-hole golf course, to which former French Open winner Graeme Storm has been signed to represent it as its Tour professional.

“Rockliffe can host the Ryder Cup, I’ve no doubts about that,” said Storm. “I’m sure we will see a European Challenge Tour or European Tour event here when the course is ready, but it’s good enough for the big one – the Ryder Cup.

“I’ve played Gleneagles and Celtic Manor and I think Rockliffe is better." says Storm (32), from nearby Haretlepool and now recovered from a painful shoulder injury.

“They do mean business here, which is one of the reasons why I have come here. They’ll tinker with the course, they’ll have to, as you do with all courses, but it is more than capable of being a Ryder Cup venue and when they do bid for it I’m hoping I will be involved in the campaign to bring it to the North-East.”

Designed by Hawtree, no expense has been spared to achieve the finest possible playing conditions. With no winter tees or greens, the course is a year-round delight thanks to state-of-the art drainage systems, while the bent grass used on the greens ensures some of the smoothest putting surfaces you’ll ever experience.

It opened in June 2009 and is built on a relatively flat territory with tall, wispy grass between fairways and numerous water features.  At 7,879 yards off the back tees, it claims to be the longest golf course in Europe, so able to handle all that the latest technology in equipment can throw at it.

The layout is packed with surprises and demands on your game. The spectacular fourth - stroke index one and not too dissimilar to the Hazeltine's signature 16th – requires a tee shot over water, avoiding rough to the left to find the narrow fairway. Its signature hole is the island par-3 fifth, while the par-5 seventh is a brute at 664 yards off the back tees. Here, bunkers litter the landing area, before another shot of 250 to 300 yards to a small green with a huge roll off area at the front.

The 15th, is another frightening 170-yard par-3 into the wind, with water right and a plethora of sand on the left. The 17th is spectacular, with water left stretch the length of the hole. Finally two huge chestnut trees guard the entrance to the 18th fairway.

The resort also boasts an academy with a 300-yard driving range practice balls are free while a luxury eco-friendly clubhouse has been cleverly submerged into the landscape to leave the views uninterrupted.

Rockliffe Hall itself has a rich heritage that dates to 1863. As well as ten original bedrooms and 61 in a tasteful extension, there a spa complex, a large swimming pool and thermal baths. Diners are spoiled for choice, too with bistro and clubhouse serving light meals during the day and the Orangery restaurant catering for a la carte meals under the guidance of Michelin-star head chef Kenny Atkinson.

GOLFMAGIC OFFER


GolfMagic members can enjoy an exclusive two-night golf break package at Rockliffe Hall, including dinner and 36 holes of golf for both days, for £235 per person. The offer is valid until April 30, 2010. For more information visit www.rockliffehall.com.

*Additional material by Alan Hedley

I’m sure we will see a European Challenge Tour or European Tour event here when the course is ready, but it’s good enough for the big one – the Ryder Cup