10,000 free Sky Sports Thursday tickets snapped up in less than half an hour
Momentum is building around the region as the British Masters at Close House edges ever closer.
Tournament host and Close House attached professional Lee Westwood is already counting down the days until the European Tour returns to the North East – and makes its first visit to the Colt Course.
“The course looks good, the tweaks we’ve made should test the players and everything is falling into place really well. The team at Close House is putting a huge effort into making sure everything is perfect. Between them, the Tour and Sky Sports it’s going to be a fantastic tournament,” said Westwood.
The free tickets were offered by tournament sponsors Sky Sports following the success of the giveaway at The Grove last year.
“The British Masters really has become the people’s tournament over the last couple of years. With the tickets being available this year on a first-come, first-served basis it means everyone has the opportunity to come along, particularly if they haven’t been to a golf tournament before,” added Westwood.
“The event will be a great showcase for the North East and I know the players who are already confirmed are looking forward to coming up to Newcastle, sampling the famous hospitality and playing the golf course.”
As part of this year’s British Masters, the Junior Masters will see qualifiers from seven events across the North of England compete on the Filly Course on the Tuesday of Masters week – with the winner joining the professionals and celebrities in Wednesday’s pro am.
“I was keen to get the juniors involved in the tournament and was inspired by something similar at last year’s Italian Open,” added Westwood.
“There was a big group of kids on the putting green who were playing a tournament on the course next door and to see the juniors mixing with the professionals and getting some tips was really inspiring.
“To get the kids involved and let them meet their heroes will be a great memory for them, and they will get a card in their hands and put a score down in a big event as well.
“We need to inspire kids to become the next Lee Westwood, Justin Rose or Danny Willett, and give them more opportunities to play golf.”
