Slaley Hall shines as D.J. Russell enters winners circle

DJ Russell with Deborah Kemp, COO of De Vere HotelsDe Vere Slaley Hall welcomed a new champion to the European Senior Tour’s winners circle, as DJ Russell beat off the competition of some of golf’s most decorated names to claim the De Vere

Collection PGA Seniors Championship. The Englishman held a four stroke lead going into the final round and despite dropping six shots in three difficult holes around the turn, held his nerve to claim a one shot victory in the Senior Tours flagship event.

A host of household names, including ex-Ryder Cuppers Gordon Brand Jnr. and Barry Lane, and 2009 Champion Carl Mason, finished the week in the top-10, as spectators were treated to a fantastic showcase of golf in the Slaley sunshine.

Russell’s first Senior Tour victory follows nine runner-up finishes and sees him join a distinguished list of winners of the prestigious PGA Seniors title. Following his win, DJ was rich in praise for the tournament and host venue, which proved a stern challenge throughout the week, with only 5 players finishing under par for their 72 holes, “I am delighted with the win.

This is such an illustrious title so I am very proud that I have made this my first victory on the Seniors Tour. Slaley Hall is in fantastic condition and the course set-up certainly suited me this week. Thanks to De Vere for supporting this
event and making it such an enjoyable week – it is a joy to play here.”

Once again, the Dave Thomas designed Hunting course at Slaley Hall was set up as a complete test for Europe’s best Senior players, with only a handful of scores in the 60’s posted all week. Ian Woosnam, who finished second on the Senior Tour Order of Merit in 2009, finished the week tied-12 on 4-over par, alongside fellow Masters Champion Sandy Lyle.

Following his final round, Woosnam commented, “Once again the Hunting course and the hotel have been first class this week.”

Deborah Kemp, Chief Operating Officer of De Vere Hotels, commented, “This has been another wonderful championship for De Vere, and credit must go to all of the staff at Slaley Hall who have made the tournament such a great success.

The PGA Seniors Championship is a great showcase for the resort, and once again it has produced a worthy winner in DJ. My congratulations go to him and we look forward to welcoming him, and the other great players, back to Slaley Hall next year.”

A fantastic showcase of golf in the North-East was a credit to the quality of both the golf course and
hotel facilities at Slaley Hall, which will once again host some of golf’s great characters at the 2011 De
Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.


Login to Register