Slaley Hall has been chosen to host the first ever Asian Tour golf tournament held in the UK with world class golfers like Graeme McDowell taking part in the event which starts today. There's a $2 million dollar prize pot with the tournament running across four days until Sunday 5 June.
It's one of ten top-tier golf events recently announced by LIV Golf, whose chief backer is the Saudi Public Investment Fund who also own 80% of Newcastle United. LIV Golf have invested in the Asian Tour to create the all-new 'International Series' as part of unprecedented an $300million investment in the game.
Taking place across Asia, the Middle East and Europe every year for the next decade, each event is designed to grow the game of golf worldwide and offer new pathways for emerging talent from all over the world to progress their careers. It's quite a coup for Northumberland to host one of these flagship tournaments so here's five reasons to consider it for a day out this Jubilee Weekend.
1) World class golf on your doorstep
There's a 144-strong field featuring some of the world’s top players. Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell is here heading up a list of stars that includes Sihwan Kim, teenage ace Ratchanon “TK” Chantananuwat, Joohyung Kim, Jazz Janewattananond (who is literally a big name!), Gavin Green and Scott Hend. Other big names teeing it up are Michael Campbell, Wu Ashun, Jeev Milkha Singh and Peter Uihlein.
2) It's completely free!
Entry will cost you nothing and is open to all by simply registering at intlserieseng.seetickets.com . Scott Hend, a 10-time Asian Tour winner said: “I’ve heard nothing but good stories about the course at Slaley Hall and how difficult it can be. But what I’m more excited about is the people I know from Newcastle – who are quite boisterous! They don’t mind getting out onto the course whether it’s rain, hail or shine, and are always out there having a good time, so it’ll be good to get that support.”
3) There's more than just golf
Sample some of awesome on-site eateries across the course and in the tournament’s official village. From the gourmet grill and hog roast, to pizza, paninis, and ice cream - you won't go hungry. Grab a cool drink, tasty snack, sit on the grass and take in the action.
4) Views to die for
Did you know Slaley is known the ‘Augusta of the North’ in golf circles? The Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is considered one of the finest in the country. Set in 1,000 acres of Northumberland moorland and forest, the magnificent four-star hotel has TWO challenging championship golf courses and you're invited to walk them in for free this week.
5) Four days of fun
It all kicks off today and lasts for four whole days. As well as the competition, there's an interactive zone with long putt and chipping challenges as well as coaching bays ready for everyone have a go! On the course, look out for fifteen-year-old Thai sensation Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat, playing for the first time in Europe. Tipped to have a big future in the game the youngster said: “This is a big event this week. This is the first Asian Tour event ever to be held in the UK, so this will be a really, really cool week.”
Free entry for the International Series England (2-5 June) is open to all fans by simply registering HERE
