AROUND 10,000 people visited the North-East as a major European golf tournament returned to the region.

The English Senior Open returned to Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington, for a second year this weekend, attracting double the number of spectators from across the North of England, the Midlands and Scotland.

Teeing off were former Ryder Cup captains Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and Mark James, while Argentinian, Cesar Monasterio, was the final winner with England’s Barry Lane and Scotland’s Andrew Oldcorn tied in second place.

Chairman of Rockliffe Hall, Warwick Brindle, said the event was one of the most successful events ever held at the five-star resort.

“It’s been a real coup for the North-East of England to hold such a prestigious sporting event and we’d like to thank the people behind the Tour, the golfers, our sponsors and, most importantly, the members of the public that came and made it such a fantastic event for the second year running,” he said.

“We doubled the numbers that attended last year and, speaking to many of the spectators, lots had made a special trip to the region which, we hope, will also help to boost tourism in the County Durham region.”

Also playing were Carl Mason, Des Smyth, Peter Fowler and Paul Wesselingh, who won last year’s Order of Merit.

Due to the event’s popularity, a special golf day will be held on Sunday, September 7 where taster sessions with the resort's PGA professionals will be on offer.

For more information call 01325-729987 or email ashley.dale@rockliffehall.com