Global golf stars are lining up to visit Close House for the $2million International Series England, which takes place August 17-20.
Lee Westwood, the former world number one with 44 career victories – including eight on the Asian Tour – leads a cohort of 10 LIV golfers set to compete over the Colt Course.
“I’ve had the privilege of playing at home in tournament situations before, and there is truly nothing quite like it,” said Lee. “Local excitement is building nicely with some of the players confirmed.
“I’ve been embraced by the people of the North East since I set up home there; their passion for sport is unrivalled and the full field will feel that during the tournament week – the atmosphere will be tremendous.”
Tickets to The International Series England are available now from SeeTickets with prices starting from £10 and free admission for under-16s when entering with a paying adult.
Joining the Majesticks co-captain will be 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell, and this year’s PIF Saudi International victor Abraham Ancer.
Seven-time Asian Tour winner and LIV Golf player Anirban Lahiri will also make his second International Series appearance of the year following an impressive runner-up finish at the Vietnam event in April.
Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra and American Jason Kokrak will also make International Series returns after teeing it up in the first event on the Asian Tour’s 2023 schedule in Oman. Meanwhile, England’s Richard Bland, Brendan Steele of the United States and South Africa’s Dean Burmester will make their debuts.
Signalling the halfway point of The International Series 2023 season, the event at Close House will be pivotal for players looking to climb The International Series order of merit, currently led by the only two-time International Series winner, Andy Ogletree. Come the end of the season, the number one player in the rankings will punch his ticket directly to the 2024 LIV Golf League, while the remaining 31 players will secure entry into the LIV Golf Promotions Event to vie for three further places.
Rahul Singh, head of The International Series, said: “Having the likes of Lee Westwood, Patrick Reed, Abraham Ancer and other LIV stars confirmed for International Series England is demonstrative of the growing strength of The International Series and the allure of the fabulous Lee Westwood Colt Course at Close House. We are returning to England’s North East after being made to feel so welcome last year. We are ready to renew the fervour this year and welcome spectators to what stands to be the biggest International Series event yet.”
