Close House – two-time host venue of the European Tour’s British Masters and home club of Lee Westwood – celebrated its 10th birthday on May 10 – marking a decade since Lee, then the world’s number one golfer, officially opened the Colt Course in 2011.
Close House has enjoyed a rapid rise in stature since owner Sir Graham Wylie bought the club from Newcastle University. The club hosted its first British Masters in 2017, welcoming the biggest names in European golf – including Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter – to the North East of England. It went on to host the event for a second time in 2020, the first event of the European Tour’s return to golf following the initial Covid-19 lockdown. It has also been a host venue for the European Seniors Tour and PGA, as well multiple local events – from NE/NW PGA tournaments to county and Northern Golfer events.
Sir Graham Wylie“We are very proud of everything that we have achieved at Close House over the past decade,” said Sir Graham. “The club has become a real focal point for golf in the North East, and we are delighted to have hosted numerous successful charity events, junior competitions and professional tournaments in the last 10 years.
“Being chosen twice to be host venue for a prestigious tournament such as the British Masters is a great privilege and is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved making the club the huge success that it has become.”
“Everyone here can be incredibly proud of all they have achieved since 2011. It has been a pleasure to represent Close House as its ambassador over the years and it is amazing to see how it has developed.” said Lee.
It was not long before the Colt Course achieved UK Top 100 status in various UK publications and websites, while the first landmark tournament was held at the club in 2015 – when Peter Fowler won the PGA Seniors Tour event.
Lee Westwood – 2017 British MastersTwo years later, the 2017 British Masters became the first tour event to be held in the North East since the 2005 Seve Trophy at Wynyard. An incredible 68,000 fans were on-site throughout the week, with Paul Dunne eventually winning the tournament with a final hole chip-in to beat runner-up Rory McIlroy.
The Junior Masters was also held at the same time, giving youngsters the chance to play on the Filly Course during the tournament week. This initiative, which has been staged since 2017, has also allowed the Close House professionals to deliver coaching to more than 1,000 school children each year.
Close House will host the semi-finals and final of this year’s Northern Golfer Match Play Pairs tournament, for more details click here.
