De Vere Slaley Hall has been celebrating golfers young and old as it prepares to host the De Vere Collection PGA Senior Championship on the stunning Hunting course.

Taking time out from their preparations European Tour and Ryder Cup veterans Ian Woosnam and Costantino Rocca dropped in on a group of local children from Wingrove School in Newcastle to celebrate De Vere Slaley Hall's commitment to encouraging more youngsters in the North East of England to take up the game.

In a unique partnership with the Golf Foundation, De Vere Slaley Hall has been working with kids through the Tri-Golf programme which offers the chance to learn the game, including skills and etiquette, in a relaxed and fun environment.

On the lawn in front of Northumberland's 4-Star Slaley Hall Hotel one time Masters winner Woosnam and Rocca, who defeated Tiger Woods in the 1999 Ryder Cup, were happy to share some of their golf swing tips and show off their skills with some very different looking clubs!

Woosnam, who captained Europe to a stunning Ryder Cup success in 2006, said: “Getting children involved in golf at this age is so important. The likes of Tiger, and more recently Rory McIlroy, have proved that age is no barrier. To involve the local community in an event like this is fantastic and you never know, this initiative could unearth a future Major Champion!”

With one eye on the upcoming tournament Woosie went on: “This is always a great week for us at Slaley Hall, the course is in great condition and it attracts a strong field.”

Out on the course Woosnam will be up against old friends and rivals like Sam Torrance and defending champion Gordon Brand Jnr in what has become one of the most popular events on the European Seniors Tour for players and galleries alike.

Daniel Hodson, De Vere's Director of Golf and Leisure, welcomed Woosnam and Rocca, saying: "“It was great to see Ian and Costantino leading the Golf Foundation Tri-Golf initiative. Having such a strong list of competitors at this year’s event is a great thrill for us at De Vere and to have two of the biggest name’s on hand to help kick the weeks activities off, for such an important cause has been great, and a huge treat for all of us, and the children involved.”

Through the Tri-Golf initiative the Golf Foundation aims to introduce 500,000 children to the game of golf each year with 5000 schools across the country now offering the programme.