Close House has celebrated 15 years since opening under the ownership of Sir Graham Wylie – with the team at the Northumberland venue reflecting on a journey that has seen it grow from an ambitious new club into an internationally respected golf destination.
Since being bought by Sir Graham, Close House has pursued a clear vision – to deliver outstanding golf, a welcoming club culture, and offer facilities capable of hosting the very best players in the game.
Fifteen years on, that ambition is being realised, with the club recognised for its championship pedigree and its membership experience. In 2025, Close House was highly commended at The Golf Course Awards in the Members’ Club of the Year category.
Elite golf has also always been part of the club’s DNA, and former world number one Lee Westwood has been the attached tour professional at Close House since 2012. Th elite connection continues with North East-based Jess Baker – winner of the 2022 Women’s Amateur Championship and a member of the Ladies European Tour in 2025 and 2026.
Since its opening, Lee Westwood Colt Course – designed by Scott Macpherson – has hosted the European Tour PGA Seniors Championship, the British Masters in 2017 and 2020, three EuroPro Tour events, and the International Series England on the Asian Tour in 2023.
Investment continues to play a central role in the club’s evolution. In 2025, a £500,000 driving range extension was completed, with a further £100,000 winter bunker development underway for winter 2025/2026.
The club is also widely recognised for its contribution to junior golf. Named Junior Golf Programme of the Year in 2024, Close House delivers extensive grassroots initiatives – including the PING Junior Masters and free schools coaching programmes that introduce thousands of young people to the game each year.
