Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa, based just outside Durham, is creating a floodlit, multi-use practice area designed to enhance its growing reputation as the leading golf resort in the North East.
The facility has been designed by Jonathan Gaunt of Gaunt Golf Design, who also designed the resort’s Prince Bishop’s and Cathedral courses.
Mr Gaunt said: “It was a pleasure to come back to a place I first visited in the early nineties.
“The work that has gone on here is incredible, and this short-game area represents another big step forward.
“It is a game-changer for the resort and the overall golf experience.”
Due to open in June, the space has been created as a scoring zone practice area for beginners, elite amateurs and professionals.
It features two large greens, multiple hitting areas, and the flexibility to double up as a short course in which golfers can play a variety of holes, with ample space for coaching and group lessons.
Kevin Jackson, PGA professional at Ramside Hall, said: “This is a fantastic multifunctional facility that is unique to the area.
“There is simply nothing else like it in the North East of England.
“As well as giving golfers the opportunity to practise all the shots they will face on each course, it will allow members and visitors to work on their short games at their leisure.
“It will also be the perfect base for elite players from the region to come and work on their scoring shots.
“It will be a short-game area for all players and will enhance the teaching experience at Ramside.”
Part of a broader investment programme, the short-game area follows recent enhancements to both of Ramside’s courses, including the addition of two new holes on the Cathedral course.
Further upgrades are ongoing, with course drainage improvements expected to complete by 2026, which will help extend the playable season for golfers.
The development follows the October launch of The Pin, a new leisure hub at Ramside featuring a six-lane bowling alley, sports bar and 43-bay TopTracer driving range.
John Adamson, managing director of Ramside Estates, said: “I am very grateful to Jonathan and his team for their expertise, for this really is a wonderful addition to the resort.
“As part of our multi-million pound investment, this short-game area will cater for golfers of all abilities.
“It is an exciting time for Ramside Hall as we continue to evolve and meet the demands of both members and visitors.”
Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa is situated a short distance from Durham city centre and its world-renowned cathedral.