Rockliffe Hall, the award-winning five-star resort hotel in the north east of England, is making a multi-millionpound investment in its golf facilities.
This investment is part of the resort hotel’s significant renovation plans that will position Rockliffe Hall as the leading resort in the region, with a specific focus on world-class gastronomy and supported by elevated guest experiences.
The project has already delivered a new TrackMan Range, a Golf Academy, and ongoing works include a bunker renovation project, and the purchase of 50 new machines to be used across the golf facilities.
Updates at the range mean that all eight golf driving bays have been fitted with TrackMan’s world-leading technology, which combines high-performance tracking with an engaging, data-rich experience for players of all skill levels. This inclusive approach continues at the new Rockliffe Hall Golf Academy, where every player — from beginner to experienced — is coached based on their individual game and goals.
Based on independent evidence from 59Club visits and data, as well as member and golfer feedback, the golf team is also carrying out a two-phase bunker renovation project from August to December in 2025 and 2026. All existing sand will be removed, bunkers will be reshaped bringing the bunker size down from 10,000m2 to 6,000 m2, industry-leading Profusion Blinder will be installed, and premium quality China Clay sand will be added.
Rockcliffe Hall’s championship course, which first opened in 2009, is currently implementing a bunker renovation project
The resort’s golf course is part of 59Club’s Eminent Collection and was recognised in the 59Club’s Global Awards 2025 within the Signature Collection – Destination Course (Single Course).
After reviewing their longstanding partnership with Toro, the golf team have committed to a further five year partnership, and are purchasing 50 new pieces of machinery, which also includes the addition of two Ventrac Tractors.
The increase in the fleet, from 42 machines to 50, will allow the greenkeeping team to complete additional renovation projects across the golf course, such as management of over 90 acres of long rough, reeds and water course management, additional primary and secondary drainage, sand banding, overseeding fairways, and extensive tree management.
Located near Darlington, Rockliffe Hall’s championship golf course caters to all standards of golfers with three lakes, five wetland areas, 78 bunkers and each hole offering five tee positions, including the signature gold tees measuring 7,879 yards, making it the longest course in the UK. It was designed by Hawtree, the world-renowned course architects and opened in 2009.
Culinary Director James Close’s role involves overseeing Rockliffe Hall’s dining options, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience across the resort, including The Clubhouse. Golfers and guests alike can enjoy fresh, seasonal food with big flavours throughout the day in a relaxed environment. In the evening salt-aged prime cut steaks, cooked over charcoal, are a particular diner favourite, as is the live music on Saturday evenings, the delicious Sunday roast every Sunday.
For golfers wishing to stay at the resort, there is also a 50,000 square foot award-winning spa and outdoor Spa Garden to complete the experience — along with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at TERRA Riviera, a new dining experience bringing flavours from the Côte d’Azur to Portofino to Rockliffe Hall, available Thursday to Saturday evenings from October 10.
