THE WORLD’S FIRST LEE WESTWOOD GOLF COURSES ANNOUNCED AT CLOSE HOUSE IN NEWCASTLE

Close House, where Lee Westwood was announced as the official Attached Tour Professional in May 2011 has today announced that Lee Westwood will continue with his attachment for a further 3 years. Lee Westwood will continue to wear the Close House brand on his hat, Lee will represent Close House at each European tour events as their attached professional and regularly visit Close House to spend time with the members.

In addition to the attachment, the world’s first Lee Westwood Golf Courses will be opened at Close House, Newcastle on the 1 July 2013. Lee Westwood has been involved in the design and renovation of the two 18 hole courses at Close House working with Scott Macpherson, Golf Course Architect, to further enhance the already established Championship standard course at Close House.

Lee Westwood commented, “I am delighted to continue my attachment with Close House.  When I visit the club it’s like a home from home.  I have been asked to be attached to a number of clubs but Close House has something different, something special.  It doesn’t matter if you are a member or just visiting, everyone is made to feel really welcome”.

When asked about the Lee Westwood Filly and Lee Westwood Colt courses, Westwood said, “I first played Close House in May 2011 and was amazed by the condition and standard of the course.  It did not come as a surprise when it was awarded Top 100 English course status shortly after it opened.  The enhancements that are currently underway will make the course even more attractive and challenging in parts, it certainly is a thinking golfers club”.

“Working with Scott (Macpherson) has allowed me to put my stamp on the courses.  The Lee Westwood Filly Course is undergoing an extensive refurbishment and it is a very enjoyable course.  The Lee Westwood Colt Course is also being enhanced with the new tees on the 8^th and an extension of the water around the 18^th, making it a great signature hole.  I am sure everyone who plays the courses will want to come back time and time again”.

“I have played on some fabulous courses across the UK, Europe and the World and Close House has the potential to be one of the very best.  The standard of the course is certainly good enough to host a championship in the future.”

Graham Wylie, Close House owner said, “Having Lee Westwood officially attached to Close House has really put us on the golfing map.  We are delighted that Lee has agreed to remain attached for a further 3 years.  Lee believes in the quality of our golf courses, the outstanding service that we offer and our vision for the future of Close House.  Being associated with the first and only Lee Westwood Golf courses in the world is great for both Close House and North East golf.”

Close House members will be supporting Lee Westwood at the Masters next week.  Later this summer Lee will be showing his appreciation for the support he has received from the Close House members when he brings the Ryder Cup for a visit to the club. 

Located only 7.5 miles from the centre of Newcastle and within the city boundary, the same distance from Newcastle Airport, Close House is ideally situated in almost 400 acres of beautiful Northumberland countryside yet close to the city centre.

The opening of the Lee Westwood Colt and the Lee Westwood Filly courses marks another milestone in the history of Close House with its ancient Roman monument that runs close to Hadrian’s Wall and the birthplace of George Stephenson, the world famous engineer and inventor of steam locomotion.

Close House is the ideal members club with two 18 hole courses, a warm and welcoming clubhouse, 35 bedroom hotel and conference facilities making it the ideal destination for corporate and society golfers.

END.

Notes to Journalists 

Close House

Close House is privately owned by UK entrepreneur and Sage developer Graham Wylie.  The venue comprises an 18th century detached mansion, two golf courses - the Lee Westwood Filly course and recently completed championship Lee Westwood Colt courses, No 19 state-of-the-art glass clubhouse, Golf Academy, Driving Range and Custom Fit.  There are two restaurants, a champagne & cocktail bar, conference, cafe and wedding facilities.  The venue is set in almost 400 acres of Northumberland countryside across the Tyne Valley in the North East of England and is located 10 minutes from Newcastle International Airport and 15 minutes from Newcastle city centre.

Close House Golf 

The Championship Lee Westwood Colt Course opened in May 2011 with Lee Westwood.  The Par 71 Colt Course measures 6813 yards and spans 160 acres of the Tyne Valley in Newcastle upon Tyne.  Golf course designer Scott MacPherson planned the course around the existing well established trees, lakes and vegetation to fit with an intended old fashioned design.  The Lee Westwood Filly Course is a Par 70 and measures 6000 yards and the challenge of the course lies with the tight lines off the tee and lighting with fast, undulating greens.  Lee Westwood has written a course guide with detailed comment on every tee.  This can be found on the Close House website www.closehouse.co.uk 

Golf Academy

The Golf Academy and driving range are open for all golfers from beginners to European Tour Professionals. The equipment and facilities provide state of the art training and club fitting and include 10 indoor bays fitted with powertee (including a left hand bay); 10 outdoor bays with 4th generation astroturf; Specialist short game area; Custom fit Suite; Video Teaching Suite; Café and PGA teaching professionals.

For further information please contact:  

CLOSE HOUSE

Ian Dinning,Marketing Director, [email protected] 07917 803 970

Address:Close House, Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT 

Telephone: +44 1661 85 22 55 

Website: www.closehouse.co.uk

International Sports Management

Name:Tom Bowles

Telephone: +44 1565 832100

Address:Cherry Tree Farm,  Cherry Tree Lane, Rostherne,  Cheshire, WA14 3RZ, UK

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