Maften Hall golfers embark on Hadrian trek

Matfen’s Director of Coaching John Harrison, Director of Golf, Craig Parkinson, and Club Professional Andy Paisley started at 8.30 am on the 1st hole at Silloth and after playing their eighteen holes at eighteen different courses, they hoped to be teeing off at 8 pm on the 18th at Whitley Bay – the other end of the wall. This mission was all in aid of St Oswald’s Hospice. In the end they achieved; 18 holes – 5996 yards, 9 birdies, 3 eagles, 14 hours of golf and the result – three exhausted golfers!

The team were of course competing against one another and John was the winner with 3 under par, Andy was level and Craig 5 over. One of the highlights of the day was at Brampton on the 5th hole when Craig and Andy birdied and John took an eagle, driving a pitching wedge into the hole without a single bounce! Two of the team also eagled on the 9th at Stocksfield, however the most challenging and memorable hole came at the 18th at Whitley Bay. Fourteen hours after teeing off at the first, the boys were cold, wet and the wind blowing, but it was the end of the day and a wonderful sense of achievement for all.

This was quite a remarkable achievement to golf for 14 hours, 18 holes on 18 different courses following Hadrian's Wall from West to East. And Craig is delighted:

"We knew that we were in for a challenging game of golf with a difference; however it did take longer than anticipated. It was a fantastic day, and we achieved what we set out to do, have a challenging day of golf and at the same time raise money for this invaluable charity. It certainly was a day to remember for the rest of our lives. As yet we are not sure if it will become an annual event, you never know next year it might be the Pennine Way!"

Matfen Hall has adopted St Oswald's Hospice as their current charity for this year, and the golfers were delighted to do their bit for St Oswald's, raise awareness of the work of the charity and their much needed financial support and raise some money for them along the way.

Multi award winning Matfen Hall Hotel is one of the foremost country house hotels in the North East. The hotel is located only 20 minutes from Newcastle airport and only 12 miles from Newcastle City Centre. Matfen Hall Hotel is set in magnificent grounds with wonderful woodlands and gardens. The facilities at the hotel are extensive and include 53 bedrooms and a wide choice of conference rooms, dining and leisure facilities.

Matfen Hall offers a variety of day and residential packages to suit everyone’s needs. Golf membership packages include corporate, individual and Country Club – linked to the Leisure Club.

For more information visit: www.matfenhall.com .