Golfers to hit the trail as Durham launches first ever mini-tour event

Amateur golfers from across the country have chance to be part of golfing history by signing up for Durham's first ever mini-tour event.

The County Durham Golf Trail is a four-day event played over the fine golf courses of South Moor, Beamish Park, Brancepeth Castle and Barnard Castle.

Pair’s places are still available for the event, the first of its kind to be held, starting from 1 July 2018.

The CDGT is open to men, women and mixed pairs in a four-ball better ball format, with daily prizes and an overall Order of Merit trophy. There is a limited availability of tickets remaining for the inaugural event, with pairs signing up from all across the UK; including Devon, Kent, Lancashire, Surrey and Ayrshire among those joining golfers from the North East. 

County Durham Golf Trail organiser David Bryan said: “Multi-day tournaments have become increasingly popular across the UK. They offer golfers a wonderful opportunity to play great courses with tournament conditions whilst also offering the opportunity to meet new people and hopefully make long-standing friendships. We have some fantastic courses in our county, organising an event like this felt long overdue.”

South Moor

The trail begins on Sunday July 1 at the Dr Alister Mackenzie's handsome heath and moorland course South Moor, which is highly-rated by reviewers as a tight, firm but fair test with quick greens.

Beamish Park

On July 2 the event switches to Beamish Park, a Henry Cotton design situated in a beautiful and tranquil valley beside the famous Beamish heritage site. 

Brancepeth Castle

The next day's challenge takes place at the Harry Colt classic Brancepeth Castle south of Durham, which boasts two of the country's finest back to back par 3s. The course is a gem and always in tremendous condition. 

Barnard Castle

It wraps up on the July 4 at Barnard Castle's attractive par 73 lay-out where golfers must take on streams, ponds and trees if they are to post a good score.

For golfers who cannot make the July 1-4 dates, the organisers are offering a Passport to play each of the four courses within a seven day period for the same price of £150-per-pair, but without the competition element.

The trail organisers have also teamed up with a selection of hotels across the county which offer discounted rates for those playing during and following the event as passport players. Accommodation available across the county includes The Honest Lawyer, Hotel 52, Whitworth Hall Hotel and Beamish Park Hotel.

Michelle Gorman, Managing Director at Visit County Durham said: “The spectacular heritage courses featured in this inaugural tournament exemplify why Durham is a must-play destination for golfers. From hidden gems to world-class courses and multiple stay and play opportunities at golf resort hotels across the county, we hope this contest and the addition of a pay-and-play Passport scheme for non-tournament players will stimulate greater participation in golf at the four courses and encourage staying visits.”

Tickets are available at a cost of £150 a pair, offering huge savings in comparison to playing each course individually.