Slaley Hall

Played both courses on a calm, dry and warm day which in itself is unusual. We played off the yellow tees which might as well have been red they were so far forward and no care taken at all. The Priestman was clearly the lesser of the two courses and had little work in maintaining it hence the rough was waist high and the fairways poorly cut. The whole appearance opf the Priestman was not welcoming including the poorly prepared bunkers with weeds. They just wanted people to play it and I was ecstatic to watch a 5 ball go off ahead of me. The Hunting had more preparation but again the Bunkers were dire with balls plugging on back faces leaving v awkward shots. Those that did roll out found very little sand. It describes itself as the Augusta of the North, I feel sorry for Augusta. It has four good holes, 7,8,9 and 17 which are well framed, the rest are nothing special, unlike Augusta. As for the Hotel things brightened up but dont ask for a bag of crisps or nuts at the bar "we dont sell any".

Asusual some mixed reviewson the website. We played the Hunting on a grey Griday morning and found the course to be in excellent shape. Only saw two other groups out on the course. Set up like a championship course with the pin placings and fairways immaculate. Pricey in the clubhouse but it is a hotel complex, albeit unattractive from the outside.

Played 15/10/09 on the Hunting Course. My comments are a bit of a mixed bag really but here goes. The front 9 of this course is excellent. Whilst the 1st is a pretty straight forward par 4, the 2nd through to 9 are really well laid out holes, where a bit of thought off the tee is required instead of just booming every tee shot. The 9th is a real belter - a tight driving hole followed by a mid iron to an undulating green - not suprisingly it's the signature hole. The back 9 then becomes a disappointment as it doesn't live up to what has gone before it. 10 through 12 are distinctly forgettable, 13 is a reasonable risk reward par 4, 14's a decent par 3 followed by a nothing par 4. 16 and 18 are good holes, with a weak par 3 sandwiched between them. So a disappointment as I say - I'm sure the course would be better played with the front 9 as the back 9. The fairways were in really good condition, allowing you to really nip the ball off the deck. Rough was penal without being ridiculous. Tees and greens had been recently hollow-tined, a disappointment but at the end of the day they need doing some time. Bunkers were really poor for this standard of course, something mentioned by previous posters - very strange. The big disappointment was the attitude and actions of ground staff. I appreciate they have to cut fairways whilst you're playing, but common courtesy is to stop whilst players are on the hole - particularly when the course isn't too busy, which it wasn't. On more than one occassion green staff would carry on cutting fairways, making you play whilst they were on machinery, then when you got to your ball driving literally to 10 paces behind you and waiting for you to play with the engine still running etc - very, very off putting. The worst example came on the 10th green. As we were about to play onto the green, a keeper appeared and parked himself literally on the apron of the green. All 4 of us played up, and he then proceeded to cut two strips straight through the middle of the green before pulling to the apron again with the engine running on our arrival. We were then left with the ridiculous scenario of putting on a green that had a strip cut through your putting line if you were below the hole - quite bizarre. Food was good in the Claret Jug - if a bit pricey. Staff were friendly enough. Worth a visit despite my negative points, and I've rated this as quite a high challenge rating in the main for the front 9 but also for the fact I used every Club in the bag, a sign of a decent track in my eyes.

Played the Preistman course in June 2009. Nice course, and facilities but spoilt by the worst bunkers i have ever come across. Rock hard and full of gravel .... not good considering £50 per round. Also, expect to be paired up if you are a two ball. They did this to us without even asking (apparently it's "policy"). Sorry, but for £50 i expect a nice relaxing round with a friend, not to be paired up with two complete strangers and herded around in a procession of 4 balls, just so they can milk as many green fees as possible. Disappointing, would avoid if in the area again.

Excellent sums it up, from the moment you arrive through the gates to departing, we played as a 3 ball on tuesday 30 june 09,2 days after the pga seniors tour, where they had a few problems with the weather ie rain and mist, i watched the event on sky sports,4th time they have held this event, the tv coverage was good but the actual course and conditions were superb,even the flags were stiil being used from the event, fairways were generous and cut to the highest standards and the greens were immaculate, obviousley not having played the course before we lacked some local knowledge, but having said that common sense kicks in,if i have to be negative it would be on my preference that they only have 3 pars 3s, and as you expect from a devere the cost of a pint in the 19th is always to high and overpriced, the starter was helpful, and knowledgeable, we were under no pressureas, we knew we had a 1 hour clear gap, having said that the next group to follow us would be 2 4 balls with alan shearer heading that group i kid you not, the club does have some interesting members in tim healey peter beardsley and johhny wilkinson, for me i will be returning and would say "go play it yourself" tou will enjoy the feel of a real championship course, the staff were very helpful, and i now rate this as one of my top 5 courses that i have played in the uk, and i have played some great courses, we made the 2hrs 30 min journey but it as well worth it paul punter s.yorkshire

Beware when booking your tee off time for this course! We booked a 2 day stay at Slaley Hall, playing both the Preistman and the Hunting course, and what a disappointment. We played both courses in the 2nd week of April, and whilst this was early in the golfing year we expected the courses to be decent condition. Unfortunately this was not the case. The greens on both courses had been hollow-tined, but in such a way that made putting nigh on impossible. The greens at our home course have had this treatment but haven't created such adverse putting conditions. In addition, some of the bunkers had been dug out and had a pile of sand on one side ready to be spread out in said bunkers. At no stage when we booked to play at Slaley were we informed of this work, thereby allowing us to make an informed decision on whether to delay our stay until the courses were in better condition. My advice to anyone thinking of playing either of these courses is, ask if there is any major work going on before booking a tee off time!!! As it was, our verdict on both courses is they are 'vastly over-rated!'

We picked two fantastic days weather wise for our recent visit to The Hunting course. I've read some reviews suggesting the course is too difficult, but I personally think that's ridiculous. I play off 6 and wasn't hitting the ball that well on both days, so I did struggle a bit and only got 29 points on both days in our comp. Like most good courses the key to a good round is hitting the short stuff, and to do well here you MUST hit the ball straight, not neccessary long on a lot of the holes, but sometimes a long second shot is required. My favourite holes were the short second, which for me was a 3 iron and a nine iron to the middle of the green. The well known 6th, a 4 iron over water, and the 9th which I found hard on both days but a very good hole all the same. The 13th I thought was a brilliant hole, a longish iron short of the water, then another one from right to left to miss the bunker guarding the green. I liked the 15th when I got to know it, after hitting the ball through the fairway into the houses on the first day. A good line on this hole is over the trees on the left, leaving a flick to the green. The 18th is well talked about, but I don't think it's that special, I hit two 4 woods to the back of the green for a par on the first day, then finished just short for a bogey into the wind on the second day. The greens were ok but nothing special, but I reckon in a few weeks when they settle down after the spring maintainance, they would be quite good. The hotel was very good in our upgraded rooms, but the food wasn't that good for the prices paid. Definately worth going though, if you haven't been.

played both courses at slayley weekend of 4th april,hunting course is the one to play,priestman not a patch on the hunting.However wait about 6 weeks before playing at slayley as greens at the moment are the worst i have played on in my 28yrs of golf.This was due to heavy snow so late verti draining then followed by crazy heavy sanding.Stayed in hotel, rooms good and food excellent, with very pleasent staff,except pro shop none too customer friendly, you felt as if you were intruding on their day by walking in shop,shame as hotel staff so nice.In all nice place hunting course great and a pleasure to stay in hotel.

Visited the hotel for a long weekend in December and played the Hunting Course on the Sunday. The weather was surprisingly good, and for the time of year for the most part the course was surprisingly dry. The green fee was £35 which was good value, and was surprised by how few people were out playing, vitually had the course to ourselves. When checking in the pro shop we weren't met by a partculary warm welcome, which was a surprise considering how good the hotel staff were generally for the whole stay. Went to the driving range before teeing off to warm up, and found the facilities disappointing for such a prestigious venue - to be honest it was shabby. Out on the course it got a lot better. A good layout - holes 7, 8 & 9 beautiful - also the finish from 14 to 18 exceptional. The other holes not so memorable but a very good challenge. The only downside was the bumpy slow greens - puts needed a big clout and didn't run too true - but acceptable for the time of year and recent weather conditions. Would like to go back in the summer and see it at it's best. 19th hole and changing rooms made you feel like a millionaire. Well worth a trip and overnight stay.

Arrived at Slaley Hall with mixed expectations split between high for the golf and low for the hotel. Glad to report that on the whole it was a very good experience. Played both courses in very wet and cold conditions which affected both the way I played as well as the way the course played. The Hunting Course is the Championship Course on site and there is clear differential in the quality of the courses and finishing. The Hunting plays around and through the ancient woodlands that surround the main hotel and offers a real challenge over a very attractive course indeed. I can understand some of the comparisons with Augusta, having only seen it on the TV of course, albeit with less sun and azalea's. Its long for a mid handicapper but offers a real mix of holes with a tricky, well guarded dog leg on the 2nd, the Par 3 6th which is 186 yds over water and a sneaky little stream running in front, the imposing 9th which was 430yds uphill and with trees down both sides. An almost impossible par in the very conditions? The 13th is lovely hole to look at but previous reviewers have commented on the positioning of the water which is a long way back from the green with a steep slope towards it means your drive and long approach have to be perfect. Then finally the fabulous 18th which although long is downhill and with a decent target for your drive before the water is a more makeable par than it looks if you've got a decent fairway wood shot in the bag! Green's were disappointing on the day as they were wet and had been just been spiked leaving me with very few true puts in the 18 holes, at least thats my excuse. I just wish I had played it in the spring or summer when the sun would have been brigther and the course more solid underfoot as under the present conditions, although I appreciated what it had to offer, it felt like a slog at times. The Priestman Course was pleasant enough and gave me a much better opportunity to play better with shorter holes but in comparison its really in the shadow of the main course having clearly been constructed partly through a spare few acres of farm land. Also there was quite a bit if repair work going on which was a bit unsightly. The hotel was very smart mixing both modern and historic buildings well and would be a great place for a romantic break or with a small group of dedicated golfers. The food was OK but the main restaurant was very limited for a venue of this quality but much better than Belton Woods. A decent club shop and very nice changing rooms were then complimented by a very cool 19th - the Claret Jug. My 1 nightDBB/2 rounds trip was booked through Golfbreaks but with winter green fees and discounts for hotel residents good deals were also on offer direct with the hotel.

I played the course shortly after the european seniors tournament and thought the course played beautifully. The range of difference between each hole ensures that the course will always keep you on your toes right to the end of the round. The facilities are superb and the staff in the Claret Jug were both courteous and helpful. The best hole on the Hunting course is without doubt the impressive 9th which i hasten to add i managed to par for the 2nd time in about 10 rounds.I would strongly recommmend a visit to this fanatastic location and allow yourself the enjoyment of playing on one of the best courses in the UK.

Hunting Course: Arrived early; not a problem, got me out in front of a 4 ball. Great Starter, very friendly. Estate is in perfect nick, best weather of the year so far, perfect temp, no wind. Tee boxes were immaculate, fairways were freshly cut, lots of run on them. Greens were fantastic they ran true and were fast. I had a great round, whilst it isnt long (i am used to long and narrow holes) you had to be straight and accurate and there were some great holes. my fave hole? the 18th, hit a 375 yd drive (hit the bridge at the bottom of the hill!! then proceeded to duff my 75 yd chip short by 15 yds!! The course looked and played perfectly. I cannot recommend this course enogh, it is easily in my top 3 courses. There is not one Negative i can think of, if i was pushed, it would have to be De Veres policy of pushing a many people as they can on the course, i started at the beginning of the day, i dread to think how many pitchmarks there would have been at the end of it!! Great course, great location - play it!!

i am 14 and have only just recently started playing golf. I found playing this course and amazing experience. I managed to make par on some holes with some bogeys and double bogeys as well. it was designed really well and had some challenging shots to make. overall i found this a very enjoyable and worthwile course.

i have just played on the hunting course today...although it was not in its best condition it is still truly amazing and is a lot better kept than other courses i have play. the layout is fantastic with a range of different holes and tricky hazards for instance the par 3 which is just water and then a green proves very tricky as club selection is hard. the whole course is very deceiving as the ball either travels further than you hit it or short making club selection hard. other reports say that the course has unpredictable winds but today there was only wind on the 15th whole. overall this course is very challenging but at the same time the best round of golf i have ever played even though i went round well over par. I am now looking forward to the challenge wet out by the priestman.

It’s been the worst summer in England for like 60 yrs or so they tell us!!! May I start by saying that the only bad thing about the course is that the bunkers were slightly wet??? Apart from that the place is stunning ( I shall say that being mesmerised by the sights ment I did not play my best golf). To the regular municipal golfer this is a real challenge and you have to be on your game the course is very hilly and played with a strong wind both times!! Fast greens, unforgiving narrow fairways and you shoot off in front of the club house and bar (so we all know how that is??). Even though the course defeated me it was an absolute pleasure!!!

Just got back from a trip to Slaley Hall. Great venue. Changing rooms very swish, how many changing rooms have a lounger and a television in?! Two courses, both very hilly. It just seemed we played every hole uphill! Buggies recommended unless you are very healthy, fantastic views on the holes though, worth all the effort. Greens were true and fast and the tee off areas were a little dry but ok. The fairways were dry but they have had the driest period in ages apparently. Holes were interesting and never the same. Water hazards and well placed bunkers made the course interesting and demanding. I will definately be returning some time in the future. In the middle of nowhere, great getaway golf course.

Played both courses and what a disapointment, very poor greens tees and bunkers. The place looked uncared for for saying it was the 'Augusta of the north'. I have played better courses for at lot less. Don't go until you here that the course has improved!

Considering we played after torrential rain the previous few days both courses were in surprisingly good condition. I have now had the pleasure of playing three of the de vere group courses, Carden Park, The Belfry and now Slaley Hall and I have to say the Slaley Hall is by far and away the best course of the three and that is in no way being detremental to the other two courses that are both excellent in there own right. It is just that Slaley Hall is a delight from start to finish. I can only imagine how beautiful the place must be during the summer months. If you get the chance you must play there. The hotel at Slaley Hall is also fantastic with comfortable accommodation and excellent cuisine.

Outstanding!!! Had the absolute pleasure of playing The Hunting Course last Friday with some friends and It's quite easy to slip into slow play mode as you seem to stand on the tee discussing the beauty of every hole, and I mean every hole! Didn't want the round to end. From a plying perspective, It is a challenging course with well placed bunkers and water features (course planner from the pro shop a must!). I was quite lucky when I played as I seemed to be having one of those rare "hit it straight" days, but one of my freinds must have lost a dozen balls, so go well armed. It's not the kind of course (despite it's length) that you can just bash off every hole with a driver, you need to think about it quite a bit. Very freindly staff. Great clubhouse with fantastic facilities, although I think the extention to the hall is a bit un-sypathetic to the original building. Most of all, is the value for money green fees. I've had the privelage of playing some great corses, Wentworth, Mannings Heath, Celtic Manor, Royal St Davids, Rochester & Cobham to name a few, but the fees here for the quality of course are unbeatable. If your up that way, you cant afford NOT to go and play it!

'Stunning' The only word i can use to describe both the courses at De Vere Slaley Hall. I Played the Priestman Course (13th August 2005) and what a pleasure that was, well placed bunkers demanding straight and accurate tee shots, beutiful water features and superb slick fast greens. As i was walking off the 18th green having being told the Hunting course was the better of the two courses i could not belive it. The following day i had the pleasure and enjoyment of the Hunting course. From the 1st to the 18th there is not one hole that dissapoints any standard of golfer. I have heard lots about the peace, tranquility and beauty of of the whole couse however the 9th and 18th we beyond even my expectations. I have never had such a warm and friendly welcome from all the golf staff. 'Simply treated like royalty' An absolute must for any golfer.

Played both courses May 2005, felt they both needed some care and attention, especially when considering a Seniours event was to take place within the month. Traps placed just right for slightly wayward tee shots, greens poor quality and tees very worn. All in all not worth the money or the reputation.

Having had the pleasure of playing both courses the Hunting twice and the Priestman twice this summer 2003 and on 3 occaisions had fine sunny weather the other it rained stair rods I wish to say how impressed myself and 3 friends were with the whole complex of Slayley Hall.Other reviews have said how challenging the courses are and I must agree although on one round on the Hunting course I managed to go round with the same ball only losing it on the 18th in the water filled ditch a result I felt.Buggies are a must both are long courses and its much more enjoyable with transport the fairways are tight and many cunning bunkers,rough and water traps await you on all holes so have plenty of balls (two meanings)but joking apart its a wonderful days golf the clubhouse is friendly and welcoming after 4 hours of golf and I am sure you will be impressed where ever you travel from, we travel from Teeside 50 miles away.

Top course. Played the Hunting course 04/09/2003. It was in great condition. The course is tough. Definatley one of the toughess courses I have played. The front nine are very tight and there is not much room for error. The back nine open up but still present quite a challenge. There are plenty of woods and enough thick rough to loose half a dozen balls in. The greens were very fast and not forgiving. All in all a quality course. If you can play to within 5 shots of your handycap you will have done well and that's just on the first hole. If your in the area also check out Brancepth Castle and Hexham Golf Course. If you like forests and tree lined courses try Forest Pines in Lincolnshire.

Played both the courses in october 2002.Enjoyed the Hunting Course alot more. All the holes are great but there are some u cant forget. e.g 2nd,5th,8th,9th,14th. Even though i played in october when the courses were a bit wet under foot i am still planning to come back and play again at easter this year(2003)Hopefully the sun will be shining and this time the flowers will be in bloom.As they accept 2-fore-1 vouchers this is a great help. This is easilly the best course i have played on.(Also try Matfen Golf Course) Not as good as Slayley but also a great course which is about 25 mins down the road and well worth the money.

What a course! Played it on 09 March 2003. I am quite fit but the Hunting course certainly tired me out (we also had a tough wind to contend with all day). Would love to play this course in the summer when everything is in bloom, was a bit wet in places but consideing the rain we have had not too bad as such. Bunkers and greens well placed on most holes which made you think about almost every shot. The holes that stuck out for me were the 9th, the 12th a par 5 with a raised green and well protected by bunkers and the par 3 14th whichwas tree lined either side and when you finished this hole the view back to the tee is quite stunning. All in all a good test of any golfers handicap will try and play again in the near future.