SLALEY Hall is preparing to host one of the country’s leading amateur tournaments .

The Daily Mail Foursomes, which celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, will take place between October 6 and 8.

It is the oldest national sponsored event in amateur golf, and offers over 100,000 club golfers the opportunity to qualify every year.

The last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and grand final will all take place at Slaley, which has previously hosted professional events on the European Tour.

Tournament organiser Hamish Webb said: “The standard of competition in this year’s event is as high as ever, which is illustrated by the fact both reigning champions have been eliminated already.

“We’re getting to the sharp end of business now, with the final inter-club qualifying round beginning on August 16. By the second week of September, we will know the names of the 32 pairs heading to Slaley Hall, and it promises to be a fabulous experience.”

Jonny Mould, Slaley Hall’s head of golf, said: “Everybody here at Slaley Hall is really looking forward to hosting the finals of the Daily Mail Foursomes. Amateur club-golfer events do not come any bigger or more prestigious than this and we can promise two courses in tip-top condition, traditional northern hospitality and an award-winning resort.”

The tournament will take place on the two courses at Slaley, the original Hunting Course, and the Priestman, which opened in back in 1999 after being designed by former European Tour professional Neil Coles.