Ramside Hall to open new short-game facility as part of multi-million pound investment
A new multifunctional short-game practice area is being developed at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa as part of a multi-million pound investment project at the County Durham venue.
The floodlit facility, scheduled to open in June, is designed to enhance the resort’s teaching and practice offering and further strengthen its reputation as the North East’s leading golf destination. It will cater for golfers of all abilities, from beginners to elite amateurs and professionals.
Designed by golf course architect Jonathan Gaunt of Gaunt Golf Design, the new short-game area will support the coaching programmes of PGA professionals Kevin Jackson and Phil Redpath, providing a dedicated environment for players to work on their scoring shots.
Gaunt, who also designed the Prince Bishop’s and Cathedral courses at the resort, 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.”
The facility will feature two large greens and multiple hitting areas, allowing it to function both as a practice space and a short course with a variety of playable holes, while also accommodating coaching sessions and group lessons.
PGA professional Kevin Jackson 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.”
The development follows extensive work across both golf courses at the award-winning resort, located close to Durham Cathedral. Over the past 18 months, improvements have included the construction of two new holes on the Cathedral course, with major drainage work due for completion in 2026 to help extend the playing season.
Last October, the resort also opened The Pin, an entertainment hub featuring a six-lane bowling alley, sports bar and a 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.”
