Hunting Course

at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort

Location: Slaley, Northumberland | Style: Resort / championship moorland | Par: 72 | Length (championship tees): 7,000+ yards | Designer: David Thomas

Widely regarded as the flagship layout at Slaley Hall Golf Resort, the Hunting Course stretches over 7,000 yards from the championship tees, rewarding length, precision, and boldness. Designed by David Thomas, its rolling fairways wind through moorland and mature woodland, creating a dramatic and memorable test in a rugged yet refined setting.

Ranked the 5th best course in Northumberland on Top 100 Golf Courses, the course is maintained to impeccable standards, with USGA-quality greens, pristine bunkers, and whispering streams. While it offers sweeping vistas and a natural beauty that might catch your eye, every hole demands focus, strategy, and shotmaking.

Course overview

The Hunting Course is a bold and captivating design that rewards strategic play as much as power. It weaves through mature woodland, lakes, and streams, blending the rugged charm of Northumberland’s landscape with a refined, modern course setup.

Fairways rise and fall over natural contours, with several elevated tees offering sweeping views across the estate. Precision is vital - deep bunkers, narrow landing areas, and subtly contoured greens challenge even the most confident players. The course’s layout requires careful decision-making, as hazards often come into play on both tee shots and approaches.

Measuring just over 7,000 yards, this par-72 layout delivers a formidable yet fair experience. From its championship tees, it challenges elite players, while forward tees allow mid-handicappers and resort guests to enjoy a more relaxed round without losing the thrill of its design.

Signature Holes

While nearly every hole on the Hunting Course offers drama, the 9th hole (Par 4) is often cited as its standout:

• Hole 9: A classic risk-reward layout. From the tee, players must thread their drive through a tree-lined corridor onto a fairway crossed by a burn that divides the landing zone. Big-hitters might tempt reaching beyond, but danger looms. The approach is equally challenging - rhododendron bushes guard the left side, and the green is framed in mature woodland, with a stunning summer vista as a backdrop. Accuracy and nerve are essential.

Other holes feature sweeping par-5s and tough par-3s over water, giving the Hunting Course a reputation for depth and drama.

Facilities & experience

When you play the Hunting Course, you access the full golf resort experience:

• A comprehensive practice range and short-game facilities
• Putting and chipping greens
• Pro shop with club fitting, apparel, and accessories
• On-course buggy hire to ease navigation across terrain
• The Claret Jug clubhouse for relaxed meals, drinks, and post-round camaraderie
• Play its sister course, the Priestman Course.

The course is in top condition year-round, with maintenance staff ensuring lush fairways, crisp bunkers, and true greens. While the natural scenery is a joy to behold, the layout never compromises on challenge.