Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate in Northumberland will welcome the first guests to its new-look 18-hole championship golf course this weekend [June 26-28].
Following many months of preparation, The Douglas at Matfen Hall will greet its first players over the weekend – and marks the first big milestone in a total transformation of Northumberland’s first and only five star country estate’s golf facilities following a multi-million pound investment.
The Douglas at Matfen Hall has been carefully designed to challenge, inspire and reward golfers of all abilities. Named in honour of the estate’s heritage, The Douglas combines nine newly designed greens with the classic character of the original layout.
Dry stone walls, natural water obstacles and the fast-flowing River Pont all feature in this 18-hole journey across some of Northumberland’s finest countryside. A brand new irrigation system has also been added.
Eight new greens have been created on the course originally known as Douglas, along with one new green on Standing Stone – and both courses have now merged to create The Douglas at Matfen Hall. The estate’s other course, the nine-hole Dewlaw, remains the same.
Matfen Hall Golf Club members will get a first look at an exclusive preview day on June 26, before The Douglas welcomes players at a now sold-out Invitational event on Saturday 27. There are still a handful of tee times still available on Saturday afternoon for visitors who wish to be among the first to play
The celebrations will continue into June 28 with the grand opening of The Himalayas Putting Green. Brand new for 2026, the Himalayas is located next to the main country house and is easily accessible to guests and visitors. Entry to The Himalayas will cost £5, which includes a premium branded ball and entry into competitions throughout the day.
The opening of The Douglas at Matfen Hall and the Himalayas form the first stage of a full overhaul of the estate’s golf facilities, with more to follow in the coming months.
A new 15-bay driving range with Toptracer technology and a Power Tee system is set to open later this summer, along with an Academy Putting Course, featuring 18-holes linked to the driving range by a café and retail shop. A short game practice facility and a par-three course will also follow.
James Huntly, Head of Marketing at Matfen Hall, said: “It’s been a long time in the making and we have had to be patient with the Northumbrian weather as we waited for the new greens to grow in, but finally we are ready to open The Douglas at Matfen Hall and The Himalayas.
“We can’t wait for people to come in, see it and play the course for themselves. We’re sure it will be a huge hit with golfers of all abilities, from amateurs right through to professional players looking for a new challenge. We’re also very excited about the opening of The Himalayas. It will be something that the hotel guests can enjoy but for serious golfers, it will also be a nice place to spend time and get some extra practice.”