Close House magazine - Autumn 2017

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CLOSE HOUSE M AG A ZI N E AU T U M N 2017

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CLOSE HOUSE

MASTER OF THE HOUSE WESTWOOD READY FOR THE BRITISH MASTERS

www.closehouse.com

INSIDE Your guide to the British Masters The ultimate guide to the Colt Course On course with Close House members Play, stay and relax at Close House

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CLOSE HOUSE | Welcome

WELCOME TO

THE BRITISH MASTERS Lee Westwood, British Masters tournament host and Close House attached professional

W

elcome to this special edition

looking forward to getting a warm welcome

of Close House magazine

from the Geordie golf fans.

ahead of what is sure to be a

There is a lot going on, but one of the

memorable week of world-

things I’m most looking forward to is seeing a

class golf in the North East

lot of youngsters on the course throughout the

of England.

week, both as part of the Junior Masters and

The last 18 months have been a fantastic

experience for me as tournament host and

the galleries.

Tour players have a big part to play in

attached professional at Close House, a place

inspiring the next generation and I hope

I was introduced to six years ago and one

we live up to that at this event – the first

which has become very special for me.

in this part of the world for many of these

To see the Colt

“The players, caddies and officials are all looking forward to getting a warm welcome from the Geordie golf fans”

young golfers. One day they may be walking

Course transformed

alongside us inside the ropes and competing

from a field with a

on the world stage.

stunning location

I hope to see you at Close House, for the

into one of the

British Masters and in the weeks, months and

finest layouts in

years to come.

the UK has been a fascinating and

remarkable journey and I can’t thank Close House owner Graham Wylie and all the team at the club enough for allowing me to be part of that journey.

British Masters week is set to be a busy one for me, and I can’t wait. There has been a lot of excitement out on tour since Close House was announced as the host venue and the players, caddies and officials are all

LEE WESTWOOD TOURNAMENT HOST

www.closehouse.com 3

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CLOSE HOUSE | Contents

AUTUMN 2017

CONTENTS Home to the World’s only Lee Westwood golf courses and the North’s only PGA Academy, Close House is the ultimate golf club experience with the highest possible attention to detail, quality of service and luxury

46 STAY AND PLAY Experience everything Close House has to offer

58 NO.19 Relax and take in the luxury of the No.19 clubhouse 74 WIN The Close House experience for two

30 Lee Westwood shares his thoughts on preparing for the British Masters, heading into the final part of the European Tour season, and the importance of inspiring youngsters

10 WELCOME Our quick guide to Close House 16 THE BRITISH MASTERS Tournament information, highlights for Masters week and more 20 THE COLT COURSE Our guide to the host course of the 2017 British Masters 34 WHO TO WATCH The European Tour stars competing at Close House 42 A ROUND WITH Jeremy Kyle vs Ben Shephard

20 “We are passionate about providing the best possible golfing experience” JONATHAN LUPTON CLOSE HOUSE MANAGING DIRECTOR Editor Dean Bailey dean@offstonepublishing.co.uk Advertising enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Photography Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk

Produced by

publishing

Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AL tel 01661 844 115 • www.offstonepublishing.co.uk ©Offstone Publishing 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is correct at the time of going to press.

www.closehouse.com 5

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CLOSE HOUSE | Welcome

WELCOME TO

CLOSE HOUSE Graham Wylie, Close House owner

T

he Close House journey reaches a special, and rather remarkable, milestone on September 28 when the first drive of the European Tour’s British Masters is hit on the Colt Course.

When we started this business in 2004 with a cricket

pavilion-turned clubhouse and a golf course which had rugby pitches set out across its fairways, I couldn’t have imagined the best players in the world would be visiting us in 2017 for one of the biggest golf tournaments in Europe.

The journey has been a fascinating one, and one which I hope has produced something very special for the North East. We always wanted to inspire people to play golf – though how we achieve that has never been rigidly planned.

There are so many people to thank for their support and guidance along the way and I must start with the European Tour team, who have been incredibly supportive of our vision to bring the event to the North East of England and to Close House.

The British Masters is a celebration of the work every member of the Close House team has put in, from those first few weeks to the final touches they have delivered this summer. I can’t thank each of them enough.

I must also pay special thanks to Lee Westwood. I invited Lee to open the Colt Course in 2011 and I could not have picked a better champion for Close House. I look forward to working together for many years to come.

Thank you to Close House members, their guests and the thousands of golf fans who will be part of the British Masters. I look forward to seeing you at Close House again soon.

GRAHAM WYLIE CLOSE HOUSE OWNER www.closehouse.com 7

WELCOME TO

CLOSE HOUSE From the moment you turn through the gates and drive through the Colt Course as the stunning Tyne Valley landscape unfolds before you, you know this is going to be a special experience‌

10 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Welcome

www.closehouse.com 11

THE CHALLENGE

THE COLT COURSE

T

he North East’s only course in the UK & Ireland’s Top 100, the Colt Course will host the British Masters having won an international reputation just six years after Lee Westwood officially

opened it.

Set at the top of the stunning Tyne Valley,

the Scott Macpherson-designed layout requires accuracy from the tee and the ability to picture a variety of shots as you make your way around the course.

Intimidating Harry Colt-inspired bunkering and challenging green complexes are sure to test every aspect of your game, while the par fives and a couple of short par fours can yield birdies if played well.

“The course has matured superbly in just six years and it’s ready to host the best players in the world” LEE WESTWOOD, CLOSE HOUSE ATTACHED PROFESSIONAL

12 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Welcome

ENJOY

THE FILLY COURSE

T

he perfect partner to the Colt Course, the Filly Course is laid out at the foot of the Tyne Valley and presents a great test of your golfing ability whether you’re looking to enjoy a day

on a course prepared to the same tournament standard as the Colt without the severity of the challenge, or playing a relaxing nine holes in the evening with your family.

“The Filly has that ideal mix of fun and tactical challenges which I love to see in a golf course” ALAN HEDLEY, NORTHERN GOLFER MAGAZINE

PRACTICE

PGA ACADEMY & YEARLING COURSE

T

he North of England’s only facility of its kind, the PGA Academy is home to tournament-ready practice facilities including a covered, floodlit driving range; a short game area built to the same high standard as the golf courses; and a new outdoor putting green. It is also

home to a team of expert PGA professionals providing tuition, a custom-fitting suite filled with equipment from the game’s biggest manufacturers, and a putting studio - all of which are fitted with state-of-the-art technology. Meanwhile, the Yearling par three course is a great place to sharpen your short game or make the step from the Academy to the golf course for the first time. www.closehouse.com 13

CLOSE HOUSE | Welcome

REFRESH

NO.19 CLUBHOUSE

W

hether you’re unwinding after a day on the golf course, hosting a business meeting or enjoying an indulgent dinner with friends and family, No.19 at Close House is

the place to be.

Overlooking the golf courses, the modern

clubhouse is the heart of Close House where golfers, residents and visitors can relax in comfort, enjoy five star-level service, sample some of the finest Northumbrian food and take in the full Close House experience.

“No.19 is a great place to spend time. You can have a relaxed chat or a serious business discussion – it just works. It’s a modern approach to golf club service and more clubs should be doing the same” LEE HARTLEY, CLOSE HOUSE MEMBER AND FAIRSTONE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

RELAX

COURTYARD, LODGE AND PAVILION ACCOMMODATION

T

he Courtyard suites at Close

countryside is just beyond the gates, and

House offer a great base for

the shopping and nightlife of Newcastle

golf and more in the North

are minutes away. The Lodge and Pavilion

East. Decorated and furnished

accommodation, perfect for groups of four,

to the highest standards, the

will be available from spring 2018 and will

Courtyard is a short walk from No.19 and

further enhance the stay and play offer at

the golf courses. The Northumberland

Close House.

14 www.closehouse.com

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THE BRITISH MASTERS Close House, September 28-October 1

T

he British Masters returns to the North East of

James, Colin Montgomerie and Sam Torrance all lifting

England for the first time in 45 years, September

the famous trophy.

28-October 1 2017, with some of the world’s

Notable winners after the millennium include this

best players set to join tournament host

year’s host Lee Westwood – who lifted the trophy in

Lee Westwood.

2007 at the Belfry. Meanwhile, two of the European

One of the most important professional tournaments

Tour’s brightest stars – Sheffield’s Matthew Fitzpatrick

on the European Tour’s calendar, the British Masters has

and Sweden’s Alex Noren – have added their names

been won by many of the game’s greatest players.

to the trophy since it returned to the European Tour

Former Open champion Bob Charles claimed the first title in 1972 at Northumberland Golf Club, beating

schedule in 2015.

Since the event’s return, in 2015 at Woburn and in

a young Greg Norman to the first prize. Tony Jacklin

2016 at The Grove, the tour and tournament sponsors

was victorious in 1973, followed by Ryder Cup captain

Sky Sports have introduced a number of innovations –

Bernard Gallacher, who won back-to-back events in 1974

from having players wear a live microphone during their

and 1975.

rounds to hosting masterclasses with leading players

Champions in the 1980s included legends Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Severiano

including Lee Westwood and Luke Donald.

The Hero Challenge will return at Close House and

Ballesteros and Sir Nick Faldo, while more Ryder Cup

you can expect a number of new innovations – including

captains would be successful during the 90s with Mark

the chance to see golf as you’ve never seen it before.

16 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | The British Masters

A

CLUBHOUSE

B

CHIPPING GREEN

I

WESTWOOD PAVILION

C

SKY ZONE

J

MEDIA OFFICE

D

PUTTING GREEN

K

CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICE

E

RANGE CAFÉ

L

SECURITY CHECK

F

DRIVING RAGE

G

COLONEL PORTERS

H

COLT PAVILION

PUBLIC CATERING

PUBLIC TOILETS TV COMPOUND

SPECTATOR ROUTE SPECTATOR ROPE LINE CROSSING POINT GRANDSTAND BIG SCREEN LEADERBOARD

FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY SERVICES CAR PARK

www.closehouse.com 17

CLOSE HOUSE | The British Masters

TICKET INFORMATION Tuesday September 26 Hero Challenge Free Wednesday September 27 Pro Am Adult from £15 Thursday September 28 Adult from £20 Friday September 29 Adult from £30 Concession from £20 Saturday September 30 Adult from £40 Concession from £30 Sunday October 1 Alex Noren

Adult from £40 Concession from £30

KEY TIMINGS

BRITISH MASTERS CHAMPIONS

Tuesday September 26

2016 Alex Noren - The Grove

1991 Seve Ballesteros - Woburn

Hero Challenge

2015 Matthew Fitzpatrick - Woburn

1990 Mark James - Woburn

Public access from 5pm

2008 Gonzalo Fdez-Castaño - The Belfry

1989 Sir Nick Faldo - Woburn

2007 Lee Westwood - The Belfry

1988 Sandy Lyle - Woburn

Wednesday September 27

2006 Johan Edfors - The Belfry

1987 Mark Mcnulty - Woburn

Pro Am

2005 Thomas Bjørn - Forest of Arden

1986 Seve Ballesteros - Woburn

Public access 7am-6.30pm

2004 Barry Lane - Forest of Arden

1985 Lee Trevino - Woburn

2003 Greg Owen - Forest of Arden

1983 Ian Woosnam - St. Pierre G&CC

Thursday September 28

2002 Justin Rose - Woburn

1982 Greg Norman - St. Pierre G&CC

Public access 7am-6.30pm

2001 Thomas Levet - Woburn

1981 Greg Norman - St. Pierre G&CC

2000 Gary Orr - Woburn

1980 Bernhard Langer - St. Pierre G&CC

Friday September 29

1999 Bob May - Woburn

1979 Graham Marsh - Woburn GC

Public access 7am-6.30pm

1998 Colin Montgomerie - Forest of Arden

1978 Tommy Horton - St. Pierre G&CC

1997 Greg Turner - Forest of Arden

1977 Guy Hunt - Lindrick GC

Saturday September 30

1996 Robert Allenby - Collingtree Park

1976 Baldovino Dassu - St. Pierre G&CC

Public access 7am-6.30pm

1995 Sam Torrance - Collingtree Park

1975 Bernard Gallacher - Ganton GC

1994 Ian Woosnam - Woburn

1974 Bernard Gallacher - St. Pierre G&CC

Sunday October 1

1993 Peter Baker - Woburn

1973 Tony Jacklin - St. Pierre G&CC

Public access 7am-6.30pm

1992 Christy O’connor Jnr - Woburn

1972 Bob Charles - Northumberland GC

18 www.closehouse.com

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SECOND FLOOR | FENWICK NEWCASTLE

“Players face a difficult test on the Colt Course and they have to do their homework to score well” LEE WESTWOOD, CLOSE HOUSE ATTACHED PROFESSIONAL 20 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | The Colt Course

THE HOST COURSE

THE LEE WESTWOOD COLT COURSE

Par 70, 6,951 yards

T

he Colt Course at Close House, host of the 2017 British Masters, will be under the international spotlight September 28-October 1 with the world’s best players tackling the 6,951-yard layout in the heart of Northumberland.

Designed by New Zealander Scott Macpherson and

officially opened by Lee Westwood in 2011, the Colt Course pays homage the legendary architect Harry Colt while making full use of the dramatic landscape and spectacular views across the valley from the top of the course.

Tweaked ahead of the British Masters with input from Westwood, Macpherson and golf course and estates manager Brian Clark, play will begin at the fifth tee as the members play it creating a challenging opening stretch and a dramatic 200-yard par three finish. Here’s our guide to what the best players in the world will face… www.closehouse.com 21

HOLE 1, PAR 4, 398 YARDS Stretched to just under 400 yards with the addition of a new back tee, the first is played straight uphill with three bunkers protecting the fairway. The amphitheatre-like green is set into a hill and has two main sections. Distance control is key and made tougher by how much the second shot plays uphill.

HOLE 2, PAR 4, 445 YARDS The second plays downhill and is a great hole for players and spectators. A new tee box adds 23 yards and there is more fairway over the wall than you think. Watch out for the deep bunker at the front right corner of the green.

HOLE 3, PAR 4, 483 YARDS A simple par five for the members, the third will become a demanding par four of more than 480 yards for the British Masters. You have to plot your route up the hill with cross-bunkers scattered across the fairway. Generally left is best, but watch out for the bunkers short of the green.

HOLE 4, PAR 4, 477 YARDS There are options at the fourth as the fairway is split in the centre. The second shot is difficult to get close as the green is protected by three bunkers, while a swale runs through the green.

HOLE 5, PAR 3, 206 YARDS The fifth is one of the most difficult holes on the course, played to a green which is narrow from front to back. A variety of tees will be used for the event, creating birdies and bogeys depending on the combination of tee and pin positions.

HOLE 6, PAR 5, 497 YARDS Played up the hill away from the PGA Academy, you must avoid the bunker to the left of the fairway at the sixth. The green can be tough to find because the fairway features a number of different contours.

22 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | The Colt Course

HOLE 7, PAR 4, 399 YARDS At the top of the course, the tee shot at the seventh is very tight. The best approach is from around 140 yards and the right side of the green is a no-go area. There are great views from the green.

HOLE 8, PAR 3, 198 YARDS Played slightly uphill, the green at the par three eighth has been extended to the left to offer new pin positions. This hole can be tough in a crosswind.

HOLE 9, PAR 4, 462 YARDS Three large bunkers to the right of the fairway and two more at the front and right of the green defend a good birdie chance at the ninth. A fourth fairway bunker has been removed to increase the landing area should you play an iron from the tee.

When the flag is front right, play right. Otherwise, left is best. Expect a lot of excitement here should the tee be moved up to create a drivable par four.

HOLE 10, PAR 3, 175 YARDS Another strong par three, the 10th is one of the most picturesque holes on the Colt Course. The shortest hole on the course, a new bunker has been added and the green has been extended to create a front right pin position.

HOLE 11, PAR 4, 373 YARDS Starting behind a lake, the tee shot at the 11th is one of the hardest on the course. Accuracy is key - aim at the tallest trees in the distance with a slight draw to find the left side of the fairway. Avoid the left of the green - there is more room over the green than you think. Par is a good score here.

HOLE 12, PAR 4, 457 YARDS A dog-leg left through a corridor of trees, the key to the 12th is to get around the corner from the tee. You can use the slopes left of the green though avoid the right side as a large bunker protects the length of the green. Approaches here must be precise to hold a tricky putting surface. www.closehouse.com 23

HOLE 13, PAR 5, 526 YARDS

than just the fairway bunker to the left of the

A very good birdie chance, the 13th is a short

fairway. A ha-ha wall runs down the right side,

par five by modern standards at a little over

which is the best side to approach the green.

500 yards. A wide fairway slopes right to left

The green is guarded by a bunker and ha-ha

and the wind is often back into you. There is

wall at the front and the old Ice Lake stretches

a copse of oak trees to avoid with the second

around the right side and across its front edge.

shot, though the slopes in front of the green will help kick a ball onto the putting surface. At

HOLE 15, PAR 4, 435 YARDS

the green, the danger is over the back and left.

The opening hole as the members play the

A fun hole where you will see birdies.

course, the best approach to the 15th is from the left side of the fairway, where you will get

24 www.closehouse.com

HOLE 14, PAR 4, 443 YARDS

an unobstructed view of the putting surface. A

A new tee box stretches the 14th to more

new tee adds 45 yards and makes finding the

than 450 yards and there is more trouble

correct position much more difficult.

CLOSE HOUSE | The Colt Course

“This golf course aims to produce the most exciting range of thrills for every level of golfer, and it requires your utmost attention” SCOTT MACPHERSON, COLT COURSE ARCHITECT

HOLE 16, PAR 4, 392 YARDS

must draw the ball into the sloping fairway.

The 16th plays uphill and the landing area

The two-tiered green affords breathtaking

has been reduced by 50% with the addition

views across the Tyne Valley.

of two new bunkers. The green here is one of the most undulating on the course and has

HOLE 18, PAR 3, 221 YARDS

been extended to offer a further demanding

The toughest, and longest, of the par threes,

pin position.

the wind often blows across the 18th and it plays half a club longer than its yardage. You

HOLE 17, PAR 4, 350 YARDS

must avoid the bunkers at the front of the

The 17th is a great risk and reward hole.

green, while the left side is safest.

Played downwind, some players may take

This will be an amphitheatre during

on the green from the repositioned tee box

the event with hospitality and grandstands

further up the hill towards High Close House,

surrounding the hole to produce an

allowing better views and meaning players

electric atmosphere. www.closehouse.com 25

MASTERS WEEK As well as four days of tournament action, British Masters week at Close House will feature events on the Tuesday and Wednesday to whet your appetite

MASTERS MOMENTS The Junior Masters – Tuesday September 26

Q

ualifying for the first Junior Masters has taken place across the North this spring and summer with winners from clubs in Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire arriving at Close House as

part of Masters week to compete for the title and rub shoulders with their heroes.

“This is a huge opportunity to have a positive impact on junior golf within the region for years to come, and we hope to make this an annual event” GRAHAM WYLIE, CLOSE HOUSE OWNER

Proposed by tournament host Lee Westwood following a similar event he saw as part of the Italian Open, seven venues have hosted

receiving the trophy from Lee Westwood

events with two

and prizes from event sponsor PING before

boys and one girl progressing from each of the

joining all the competitors to watch the Hero

three age categories at the qualifying venues.

Challenge. The winner will also tee it up in

Those qualifiers will play the final of the event on the Filly Course with the winner 26 www.closehouse.com

© Jamie Roach/Shutterstock.com

the pro am on Wednesday alongside the professionals and celebrities.

CLOSE HOUSE | The British Masters

HEROES WELCOME

The Hero Challenge – Tuesday September 26

T

he Hero Challenge, the exciting night-golf event which made its debut at last year’s British Masters at The Grove, returns on Tuesday evening with stars of the European Tour battling it out on a sudden-death shoot-

out hole under floodlights.

Played on the par three 18th on the Colt Course

in front of 3,000 people, fans can expect exciting action with tournament host Lee Westwood joining European Tour players and a star-studded lineup of celebrities for one of the highlights of the week under the floodlights with hosts Kirsty Gallacher and Vernon Kay.

“I watched last year’s Hero Challenge at The Grove and it looked a lot of fun, so I was delighted to put my name forward for this year’s event.

Golf, like any sport, should be fun and entertaining and the Hero Challenge definitely ticks both of those boxes” LEE WESTWOOD, BRITISH MASTERS HOST

Brian McFadden

© /Shutterstock.com

TEAMING UP Hero Pro Am – Wednesday September 27

S

ome of sport, music and television’s biggest names will join the stars of the European Tour on Wednesday for the pre-tournament pro am on the Colt Course. Getting underway with official starter Jeremy Kyle, teams will

include a Les Ferdinand and Andrew Cole-fronted Newcastle United, which will take on a handpicked Liverpool team. Also confirmed for the event are 20-time champion jockey AP McCoy, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Sky Sports presenter Georgie Bingham.

All proceeds from the day will go to the

Andrew Cole AP McCoy

tournament’s official charity - the Graham Wylie Foundation. www.closehouse.com 27

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MASTER OF THE HOUSE

NEW TRICKS

Tournament host Lee Westwood tells Dean Bailey about his preparations for the British Masters, the importance of tournament golf in the north of England and his hopes for the future of Close House

Y

ou would expect Lee Westwood to know everything there is to know about being a tour professional these days.

The former world number one

and Ryder Cup stalwart, who has won 23 European Tour titles and two European order of merits, has learned a great deal in the last 12 months as he juggled his worldwide tournament schedule with his role as host for the British Masters at Close House.

Fresh from an inspiring weekend performance at Royal Birkdale, where rounds

“It’s great to see the European Tour back in the north of England for a change; it’s a while since we had world-class golf up this way and all the players are looking forward to it”

tournament and I now understand why the

weekend lifted him into

hosts often don’t play well.

a tie for 27th place, we

“It’s been fun to be part of and I’d like to do

meet to talk through his

it again at some stage. It’s going to be a tough

final preparations for the

week with everything going on, but I know the

event before he heads off

golf course very well so I’ll be ready for it.”

to the US for the year’s final major.

“I had a very strong

Lee has been a big part of the preparations for the British Masters since early 2016, at Close House and out on tour.

finish at Birkdale and I had

At Close House he has worked with

another great week at the

architect Scott Macpherson and golf course

Open.” says Lee. “Birkdale

and estates manager Brian Clark to tweak

is the best Open Championship venue of

the golf course to test the best players in

the lot - it’s a fair golf course, it’s good for

the world.

the fans to watch and it always produces a great winner.”

“It’s been a full-on year. It’s opened 30 www.closehouse.com

my eyes to what it takes to put on a golf

of 69 and 67 over the

On tour he has been drumming up support among his peers and has felt the buzz around the event build.

www.closehouse.com 31

CLOSE HOUSE | Lee Westwood

PGA Championship where he finished in a tie for 67th place, Lee is looking forward to a busy schedule of European golf.

“I’m starting to play well so I can’t wait to get into a run of events. I love playing in Europe and playing events I haven’t made it to for a few years.”

As well as playing the event, Lee will be working with sponsors Sky Sports throughout the week as part of a programme of clinics with top players as well as being part of the Junior Masters – an event he added to the week’s schedule to bring young players inside the ropes, while giving them a chance to meet their heroes.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of players and they’re all

“I wanted to have juniors involved in the

looking forward to coming to one of the friendliest

event and the Junior Masters was the perfect

places in the world to play a great golf course for

way to get them here,” he says. “I’m looking

a prestigious title.

forward to seeing the looks on their faces

“It’s great to see the European Tour back in

“The response so far from fans has been brilliant, particularly in the North East where people are talking about it everywhere I go”

the north of England for a

when they’re practising next to their heroes.”

While the juniors will be playing the Filly Course on Tuesday, Lee and his European

world-class golf up this way and

Tour colleagues will be getting to grips with a

CM

all the players are looking forward

Colt Course which will play far tougher than its

MY

to it.”

average monthly medal setup.

Among those players will

“We’ve tweaked a few places and

be Masters champion Sergio

toughened the course up where it needed it,”

Garcia, who Lee has watched

explains Lee. “I think the course will be a tough

grow from teenage sensation to

test, particularly when the wind blows up at the

“I’ve known Sergio for a long time, since he

top of the hill and the rough is up.

“Despite what the weather does, the fans

came out on tour. When he was playing events as

can still expect these guys to be making

IN THE BAG

an amateur I kept an eye on him as everyone was

plenty of birdies and the atmosphere will be

Driver

talking about him.

incredible when the scoring gets going.”

“We’ve also been partners in The Ryder Cup,

Though he has a full-on week to prepare

Fairway

which is always a special experience. I remember

for, Lee has already started to consider what

PING G 14.5°

playing together at the Belfry when I was in a bit

lies ahead for Close House and golf in the

Hybrid

of a slump and Sergio was the ideal partner. He

north of England.

PING G Crossover #3

really helped me; I ended up having a good week

Irons

and we’ve been friends ever since.

PING i200 4-PW

“The response so far from fans has been

Wedges

brilliant, particularly in the North East where

PING i200 UW 50° &

people are talking about it everywhere I go. It’s

53°, Glide 2.0 59.75°

shaping up to be a great week.”

Putter

Following the season’s final World Golf

“To have Close House on the international stage for the week is going to be huge and I’m looking forward to being part of the club’s progression into 2018 and beyond.

“With a club like Close House capable of hosting tournaments of this calibre, and the huge passion for world-class sport in this part

PING Vault Bergen

Championship, the Bridgestone Invitational where

of the world, I hope we’ll see more events like

(Platinum)

he finished in a tie for 47th place, and the US

this back here soon.”

32 www.closehouse.com

M

change; it’s a while since we had

major champion.

PING G400 LS 10°

C

Y

CY

CMY

K

www.closehouse.com 33

Our guide to the runners and riders for the 2017 British Masters at Close House

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 23 The former world number one and 2010 Race to Dubai winner will be looking to add to his 23 professional wins, which include the 2010 US PGA Championship and the 2014 US Open.

SERGIO GARCIA

ALEX NOREN

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 31

champion will return to England full

The 2017 Masters champion will headline the field for

of confidence following his win at

the British Masters following his maiden major victory

the BMW PGA Championship at

at Augusta National in April. The 37-year-old Spaniard

Wentworth earlier this season.

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 10 The defending British Masters

has been one of Europe’s leading lights for nearly 20 years and has 31 professional wins to his name. He has also been part of six Ryder Cups, winning four times with Europe while earning 18 points.

MATTHEW FITZPATRICK PROFESSIONAL WINS: 3

The 2015 British Masters champion isn’t too far from his home in Sheffield and will be hoping to add to his success at Woburn by adding a second win on homesoil.

TYRRELL HATTON

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 5 The young Englishman shot into the world’s top 20 with a remarkable 2016 season, which included his first European Tour win and a fourth place finish in the Race to Dubai.

© Chatchai Somwat/Shutterstock.com

WHO TO WATCH

MARTIN KAYMER

CLOSE HOUSE | The British Masters

GRAEME MCDOWELL PROFESSIONAL WINS: 14 GMac broke a 40-year wait for a British winner at the US Open in 2010, could he follow in Tony Jacklin’s footsteps again and add a British Masters title to his résumé.

MIGUEL ÁNGEL JIMÉNEZ PROFESSIONAL WINS: 28 The legendary Spaniard will return to England alongside his compatriot Sergio Garcia having claimed four PGA Tour Champions titles in the last three years to add to his 21 European Tour wins.

CHRIS PAISLEY

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 1 The local favourite will be able to walk to Close House from his family home in Stocksfield and will be looking for a good finish having recently secured his European Tour card for a fourth year.

GRAEME STORM PROFESSIONAL WINS: 4 The two-time European Tour winner shocked the golfing world in January when he overcame Rory McIlroy in a playoff. Based in Co Durham, he will be hoping to have plenty of local support.

www.closehouse.com 35

CLOSE HOUSE | The British Masters

ANDREW ‘BEEF’ JOHNSTON

DANNY WILLETT

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 5 The 2016 Masters champion will be part of an illustrious field of major champions at Close House as he looks to kick-start his season heading towards the end of the year.

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 4 One of golf’s most recognisable faces (and beards) Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston is among the game’s most likeable characters.

He proved he could match world-class golf with having a good time when he won the Real Club Valderrama Open de España in 2016.

SHANE LOWRY

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 3 Having rocketed to fame by winning the Irish Open as an amateur, the threetime winner will be looking to add to his impressive record of winning huge events on both sides of the Atlantic.

CHRIS WOOD PROFESSIONAL WINS: 4 Ever present in Europe’s elite since he won Rookie of the Year honours in 2009, Wood will be looking to improve on his string of top-10 finishes so far in 2017.

ROSS FISHER

PROFESSIONAL WINS: 5 Back in the UK, Fisher will be wanting to add to another consistent year on the European Tour, while adding some more World Ranking Points to cement his place in the World’s top 50.

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CLOSE HOUSE | The European Tour in the North East

BACK ON TOUR

NORTHERN MASTERS © Whitley Bay Golf Club

The European Tour returns to the North East of England for the first time since 2002 in September 2017, reigniting the region’s relationship with world-class golf... www.closehouse.com 39

CLOSE HOUSE | The European Tour in the North East

T

he North East of England has a long and varied history of top-tier golf and much of it is linked to the greatest Europeans ever to swing a club.

Severiano Ballesteros first visited

in 1977, when the young Spaniard joined the young Australian Greg Norman and the young Englishman Nick Faldo for the Callers of Newcastle tournament at Whitley Bay Golf Club. All three finished down the leaderboard as South African John Fourie closed with a course record 68 to take home the £5,000 prize.

Ballesteros would return a number of times, for the Great North Open in the late 90s at Slaley Hall and for the Seve Trophy – played between GB&I and Continental Europe at Wynyard in 2005 when a young Henrik Stenson was part of the European team.

Norman would also return in 1980 for the Newcastle Brown 900 Open where he finished second to Irishman Des Smyth who made a dramatic birdie at the last to win by one.

The European Tour’s Compaq European

© Whitley Bay Golf Club

Grand Prix, later the Great North Open, at

In September, who will add their name to the list of greats who have won in the North East?

Slaley Hall produced

by Maurice Bembridge who outshone a field

winners between

including Lee Trevino and Peter Oosterhuis in

1996 and 2002,

the 36-hole event through to the success of

including South

events at Slaley Hall in the early 2000s, the

African great Retief

region’s links with golf remain, despite a break

Goosen (1996), Ryder

of 15 years from European Tour events.

Cup legend Colin Montgomerie (1997) and Lee Westwood (2000).

The North East’s links with the British

Close House has become a part of that history in the last six years, with Australian Peter Fowler winning the ISPS Handa

Masters go back to the first year of the

PGA Seniors Championship in 2015 while

European Tour and the first Dunlop Masters in

the EuroPro Tour has hosted The Lookers

1972. Held at The Northumberland Golf Club,

Championship over the Colt Course in the last

Tony Jacklin was the star attraction, having

three years with the UK’s best young players

won the 1969 Open Championship and 1970

making their mark on the satellite tour before

US Open. However, he was upstaged by New

making the step up to the Challenge Tour.

Zealander Bob Charles for the main prize in the £15,000 event (this year’s British Masters will have a prize fund of more than €3m).

40 www.closehouse.com

From the 1970 Whitley Bay Classic, won

an elite crop of

In September, who will add their name to the list of greats who have won in the North East?

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A ROUND WITH Ahead of the British Masters pro am, official starter Jeremy Kyle and TV presenter Ben Shephard share their golfing memories, success stories and embarrassing moments How did you get into golf?

JK: I got hooked on crazy golf from a very young age on our annual family holiday to Lyme Regis. I joined Calcot Park aged 12 and quickly got my handicap down to five.

Nowadays that’s a pipe dream - at my age I’m delighted to get round any course before I pass out through exhaustion.

BS: I started playing when I was about 11 with some mates at Hainault in Essex. We were hopeless, but it kept us out of trouble.

Which is your favourite course?

JK: Royal Birkdale, Apes Hill in Barbados, and the only club ever to give me honorary life membership - Close House.

BS: St Enodoc in Rock, Cornwall - the most stunning course I’ve ever played.

What’s your best ever round?

JK: 72 - level par at Calcot Park so many years ago I can’t really remember it.

BS: I had a dream round at St George’s Hill in Surrey. After a shocking front nine I had an eagle, two birdies and four pars on the back.

Which is your favourite golfing memory?

JK: Going to The Masters at Augusta National last year and walking down to Amen Corner for the first time.

BS: Playing with my family in Cornwall, my late godparents in Australia, and my father and brother-in-law at Thurlestone are all special.

42 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Head-to-head

What about embarrassing moments?

JK: Playing in a pro-am at The Belfry, I managed to shank it at the car that was on offer for a hole-in-one in front of 500 people.

BS: Playing with my boys in Sicily recently, I clattered my tee shot into the French windows of an apartment. The sunbathers were very understanding when I apologised and explained it was my son’s ball (I still feel terrible!).

Do you have any golfing superstitions?

JK: Never drink more than three beers per round.

BS: Other than turning up with about three minutes before a tee time, I don’t have any.

What are your strengths on the course?

JK: My ability to manoeuvre a golf buggy safely almost anywhere in the trees.

BS: My eternal sense of optimism.

And your weaknesses?

JK: Walking.

BS: Technically, I have a power fade.

Emotionally, there are too many to list.

Who is your best golfing friend?

JK: Graham Wylie - he possesses the almost unique ability to somehow make me look good.

BS: I’ve just started playing with my kids, which is great. Dean, pro at my home club Wimbledon Park, is a great partner and mate.

Who is your favourite tour player?

JK: Lee Westwood insists I pick him.

BS: I love watching all the Brits. I think Beef has brought something really special and different to the tour, not least that beard.

Which three people would join you in your dream fourball?

JK: I’d play at Close House with Lee Westwood, Graham Wylie and Alan Shearer.

BS: West Ham legend Bobby Moore, Tesla’s Elon Musk, and Team GB hockey keeper Maddie Hinch - whose gold medal final performance was one of the greatest I’ve ever seen. www.closehouse.com 43

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CLOSE HOUSE | Experience the best

C E L E B R AT I N G 1 5 0 Y E A R S O F F I N E F U R N I T U R E

Raise your game with spectacular golf courses, tournament-ready facilities, five star-level service and more

THE CLOSE HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Any visit to Close House is a unique experience – whether you’re watching the best players in the world tackle the Colt Course, enjoying a round on the Filly Course, practising at the PGA Academy and Yearling Course, relaxing in No.19 or unwinding in the Courtyard suites

C

lose House offers far more than the

Combine two top courses with access to the

chance to tee it up. The golf courses,

world-class facilities at the PGA Academy, an

the UK & Ireland Top 100-ranked Colt

ever-changing seasonal menu prepared by one

Course and Filly Course are perfect

of the country’s best chefs and his team, and

partners, both endorsed by former world

luxurious accommodation and you have one of the

number one Lee Westwood.

UK’s finest golf club experiences. www.closehouse.com 45

STAY THE NIGHT Make the most of the Close House experience with a stay and play break

A

fter a day on the golf course, walking in Northumberland or shopping in Newcastle, there’s nothing you want more than a relaxing stay in luxurious surroundings - and Close House

ticks all the boxes.

A short walk from the No.19 clubhouse,

the Courtyard suites live up to the high standards you’d expect having experienced the golf courses, with 16 rooms available to accommodate up to 34 guests.

Available from spring 2018, the twobedroom Lodge and Pavilion accommodation carry on the luxury offering with space for up to four people to relax and enjoy the landscape in a private residence.

As well as having access to the courses and facilities at Close House, guests have the beautiful Northumberland countryside on their doorstep while the shopping, sport and nightlife of Newcastle are just minutes away.

For price and more information about accommodation contact the reservations team, tel 01661 85 22 55 or visit www.closehouse.com

“We spent a week at Close House and split our time between the golf courses and Newcastle. Our suite was fantastic and we loved being close to the city and surrounded by countryside” MIKE JONES, CLOSE HOUSE GUEST 46 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Stay and play

www.closehouse.com 47

MEMBER PROFILE

ALL IN THE DETAIL

David Nicholson on his love of golf, business and relaxing at Close House

J

ewellery expert David Nicholson

with customers and friends, though he admits

knows a thing or two about the

his golf isn’t quite as good as it should be

importance of fine details, from

having spent so much time on the golf course.

finding the perfect piece of jewellery

“I’m playing off a handicap of 27 at the

to enjoying the beautifully manicured

moment and I’m improving, slowly. I definitely

golf courses at Close House.

Manager of the Newcastle branch of

designer jeweller Berry’s, a corporate partner

normally be out on the Colt.

“Being a part of Close House is all about

of Close House, David fell in love when

the social side for me – meeting new people,

he first drove through the gates and has

being able to talk to regular customers when

built successful business relationships and

I see them in No.19 or on the golf course and

friendships here.

being involved in the best business networking

“I had hosted a Patek Philippe event at the hotel and we’d visited a few times. The thing that always stood out was the attention

“We have a luxurious product and there’s nowhere as luxurious as Close House”

environment in the North East.

“For hosting events, it ticks all the boxes.

When you drive through those gates it’s like

to detail – from the quality

when you arrive at the hotel when you’re on

of service to the finishing

holiday; you know you’re going to be looked

touches on the driveway as

after and you’re going to enjoy being here.”

you come in.

“Once I’d played the

With 25 years in Newcastle stocking the world’s most luxurious brands, it’s no surprise

golf courses I knew we had

David and Berry’s picked Close House to

to be part of Close House

partner with.

and it’s proved to be a fantastic partnership,” says David.

As well as hosting events with international

48 www.closehouse.com

prefer the Filly, though when I’m working we’ll

“We have a luxurious product and there’s nowhere as luxurious as Close House. We’ve opened a lot of doors with our golf days here

brands for customers and Close House

and through the hundreds of introductions we’ve

members, David plays at least once a week

already had, and I can’t wait to make more.”

CLOSE HOUSE | On course

www.closehouse.com 49

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CLOSE HOUSE | Membership

IN BUSINESS

If you’re doing business in the North East, Close House is the place to be

S

pend a few hours meeting the members of

with formal and informal meetings in No.19,

Close House and you’ll soon have as many

monthly partners’ breakfasts and events on and

business contacts as you’ll ever need in

off the golf course.

the North East of England.

With more than 40 of the UK’s biggest

Just 12 miles from the centre of Newcastle, the club is a great location for meeting local,

companies coming together as corporate and

national and international clients on and off

associate partners and hundreds more hosting golf

the course.

days, events, dinners and meetings here, it’s no

For more information about corporate and

wonder the region’s business community chooses

associate membership, contact the membership

to play, relax and work at Close House.

team, tel 01661 85 22 55,

Partnerships here reach thousands of people around the UK and further afield – all beginning

email membership@closehouse.co.uk or visit www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE CORPORATE PARTNERS

www.closehouse.com 51

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CLOSE HOUSE | Membership

BE PART OF THE CLUB Enjoy one of the UK’s finest golf clubs 365 days a year

M

embership of Close House

which lives up to the high standard set

MEMBER PACKAGES

is the ultimate golfing

by the Colt Course.

Full £2,100

experience. With tour-

Whether you’re arriving for a

Spouse £1,650

proven facilities, one of the

7.30am tee time, heading out for nine

Country from £720

UK’s finest golf courses

holes in the evening, honing your skills

Intermediate (18-25) £840

and the highest levels of quality on

at the PGA Academy or enjoying dinner

Junior (U18) £240

and off the course, it’s no wonder

with family or friends in No.19, expect

Academy Premium £720

Lee Westwood chooses to play and

a warm North East welcome and an

Academy £180 (U18 £120)

relax here.

experience to remember.

The Colt Course is included among

As well as access to Close House

THE PERKS

the top 100 courses in the UK and

facilities year-round, full members also

Close House members enjoy

Ireland and is the must-play course

have access to a calendar of exclusive

a range of benefits, including

in the region. The Filly Course is a

events and receive discounts on Close

discounted green fees at top

perfect partner to the challenging Colt,

House facilities and services.

resorts in the UK and around

while Close House is home to the

For more information about

the world as well as access

north of England’s only PGA Academy,

membership contact the membership

to Close House’s property in

the Yearling par three course, No.19

team, tel 01661 85 22 55

the Lake District and regular

clubhouse and Courtyard suites.

email membership@closehouse.co.uk

members’ trips to the world’s

or visit www.closehouse.com

best courses.

They create an overall experience

www.closehouse.com 53

CLOSE HOUSE | Membership

RAISE YOUR GAME From taking your first swing at the PGA Academy to competing alongside Lee Westwood on the European Tour, Close House covers every part of your golfing pathway FIRST STEPS The PGA Academy is open year-round and offers PGA professional tuition and custom fitting using state-of-theart equipment as well as tour-ready practice facilities.

These include the floodlit covered driving range, a 360º short game practice area, putting studio and more.

ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP Your first step into membership, Academy members get full use of the PGA Academy facilities and the Yearling par three course, one round on the Filly Course, one halfhour lesson with a PGA professional and 10% discount off on-site purchases.

ACADEMY PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP Includes use of the Filly Course Monday-Friday and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, unlimited use of the PGA Academy facilities and the Yearling par three course, member’s rate on Courtyard Suites and 10% off on-site purchases. Close House will also maintain your handicap.

FULL MEMBERSHIP The full Close House experience, members enjoy unrestricted use of the Colt and Filly courses as well as the PGA Academy and Yearling course, 50% discount on guest green fees, the opportunity to host your own member’s golf day for up to 24 players, member’s rate on Courtyard Suites and 10% off on-site purchases.

A full range of membership options, including corporate and associate partnership, country membership for those living more than 40 miles from Close House, and junior and intermediate packages are also available.

For more information about membership contact the membership team, tel 01661 85 22 55 email membership@closehouse.co.uk or visit www.closehouse.com 54 www.closehouse.com

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CLOSE HOUSE | The Filly Course

THE LEE WESTWOOD FILLY COURSE PAR 70, 6,034 YARDS

“The Filly has come a long way since we arrived here in 2006 and it has become a great golf course for players of all abilities�

BRIAN CLARK, CLOSE HOUSE GOLF COURSE AND ESTATES MANAGER

The Filly Course has been altered a number of times since it was purchased from Newcastle University in 2004 - when you would have found rugby pitches marked out across its fairways. It was reopened in 2013 by attached professional Lee Westwood

H

aving faced the challenges of the Colt

out in two loops of nine returning to the No.19

Course, the Filly Course is a welcome

clubhouse, making it ideal for a game on a late

sight. Set out at the foot of the Tyne

summer evening or for families to play together.

Valley, the flatter terrain and a setup geared toward club golfers rather than

The strategic bunkering, which can be penal, is positioned to test the best players from the

European Tour players make this the perfect

tee while presenting a playable challenge to the

partner to the Colt.

average golfer. Large undulating greens and a

Redesigned in 2013 by the same team which constructed the Colt Course, the Filly is laid

great mix of strategy throughout the round make the Filly Course fun to play and tough to master. www.closehouse.com 57

IN THE KITCHEN

YES, CHEF

From game shooting to fine dining with executive head chef Craig Harvey

E

very chef understands his food and its journey from field to fork, though few take as keen an interest as Close House executive head chef Craig Harvey.

The son of a gamekeeper, Craig has shot

since the age of seven and counts the late summer and autumn flavours of game among his favourites on the menu at Close House.

“We’re in the heart of Northumberland and have incredible produce on our doorstep.

It’s our job to put that to good use and do

Pheasant boudin with girolles and black truffle

something which will excite our members and guests,” explains Craig on his return to the

game as well as hearty winter dishes for the

kitchen following the Glorious 12th.

colder months.

Developing the No.19 menu since his

“We started the game dishes with the first

return to Close House in 2014, Craig has

of the season’s grouse and we’ll carry that on

drawn on influences from growing up with

with partridge, pheasant, venison and some

his mother and father’s cooking at home as

really interesting dishes through the season,”

well as his wealth of world-class experience.

says Craig.

Having trained as a pastry chef with Terry Laybourne at the Michelin-starred 21 Queen

well with pastry, pasta and potatoes, and they

Street, Craig has worked at The Mirror Room

all allow the meat to star on the plate. I love

Restaurant at Claridge’s with John Williams

working with those and they’re becoming more

“We’re in the heart of Northumberland and have incredible produce on our doorstep. It’s our job to put that to good use”

MBE and Gordon Ramsay as well as in Paris before

popular,” adds Craig.

Coming towards the end of another busy

heading back to the

season of golf days and with catering for the

North East.

players, caddies and their families as part of

“The food at No.19 has developed as Close House has,” Craig adds. “We offer

the British Masters on the horizon, Craig is looking forward to the winter months.

“We’ve got the biggest events in Close

a core menu which people

House’s history before we take stock of

love when they come off

another fast-paced year for the team,” he says.

the golf course, but we’ve also now got the

“We never stop developing what we do

scope to use our flair in the kitchen and do

in No.19, from the kitchen through to front

something exciting.”

of house, and that makes coming into work

That excitement continues with the autumn menu for 2017, featuring seasonal 58 www.closehouse.com

“There are big flavours there which work

every day exciting. Let’s see what next year brings.”

CLOSE HOUSE | No.19

Chorizo cassoulet with a fried duck egg

Black cherry pavé with black cherry sorbet

Executive head chef Craig has worked at some of Europe’s finest restaurants, including The Mirror Room at Claridge’s under John Williams MBE and Gordon Ramsay www.closehouse.com 59

CLOSE HOUSE | No.19

NO.19

The ultimate clubhouse experience

W

hether you’ve had a day

in the new British Masters suite, every

on the golf course, a tense

taste is catered for by executive head

business meeting or a hectic

chef Craig Harvey, while food & beverage

week at home, there is

manager Victor Castro and his team pride

nowhere better to head than

themselves on making each visit to No.19 one

No.19.

A modern take on the golf club

The Westwood Suite is available for

experience, No.19 is the heart of Close

private hire and events, including weddings

House with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea

during the winter months, and caters for up to

and dinner served with the wonderful Tyne

140 guests.

Valley as a backdrop.

From dinners for 140 people in the Westwood Suite to breakfast meetings 60 www.closehouse.com

to remember.

The British Masters Suite is now available for meetings and No.19 is open all day for members and guests.

This isn’t about what if: it’s about what next.

Investment, retirement, income, legacy… all too important to be left to chance.

That’s why you can expect us to invest the time to really understand what matters most to you. And then you can trust us to make certain that your financial future is in the hands of much more than fate.

To find out what happens next please contact our Financial Planning Team on 0191 230 7155 or email newcastle@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/newcastle Wealth and Investment Management for the North East.

The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.

Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444).

BDM1367_1708

CLOSE HOUSE | No.19

WINTER WEDDINGS Your dream wedding day at Close House

W

hether you’re looking to hold a grand wedding breakfast for 140 guests or you plan to celebrate late into the evening, Close House offers a stunning location, all-round luxury and first-class service to

make your wedding day special.

Making their way along the tree-lined drive, your

guests will see the 400-acre estate in the heart of the Tyne Valley unfold before them to create a spectacular backdrop for your wedding celebrations. Meanwhile, the Close House team is on hand to tailor everything to your requirements, ensuring your day is an unforgettable one.

From intimate celebrations to grand events, Close House offers a beautiful space for up to 140 people with two bars and a kitchen led by one of the country’s best chefs to provide a menu fit for your special day.

Minutes from Newcastle city centre, Close House is a perfect mix of country tranquillity and accessibility. For those looking to stay the night, the luxurious Courtyard suites are available for up to 34 guests and there is a range of packages available for pre-celebrations, from golf days to afternoon teas.

Close House also caters for a range of events, from birthdays and anniversaries to banquets, celebrations, concerts, fashion shows, charity balls, awards ceremonies and larger corporate events. Wedding bookings are available in November, December, January and February.

To discuss your event, arrange a tour or for more information contact Laura Peveller, tel 01661 85 22 55 email laura.peveller@closehouse.co.uk or visit www.closehouse.com 62 www.closehouse.com

Girls enthused By opening her eyes to the wonders of the world through our exciting curriculum, your daughter’s enthusiasm for learning will soar and she will aim higher and higher.

Junior School Open Day Saturday 4th November Senior School Open Day Saturday 11th November Book your open day place today newcastlehigh.gdst.net T: 0191 201 6511

Girls enthused l Girls inspired l Girls empowered

HEXHAM GATE

CORBRIDGE ROAD, HEXHAM, NE46 1UL SWEDISH STYLE IN A BUSY & BEAUTIFUL OLD MARKET TOWN ON THE TYNE EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION OF SIXTEEN BEAUTIFUL DETACHED FAMILY HOMES

LOW ENERGY COSTS DUE TO MARKET-LEADING TECHNOLOGY: Triple glazing | Underfloor heating to ground floor | Highly insulated walls & ceilings | Mechanical heat recovery system Low energy lighting | Solar panels | Airtight doors | A-rated appliances | Air source heat pump | EPC: A

LAST FEW HOMES | PART EXCHANGE AVAILABLE*

Enquiries: Ponteland Office 01661 823951 E: ponteland@sandersonyoung.co.uk www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

*Subject to valuation, survey & agreement

SHOW HOME OPEN | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW

CLOSE HOUSE | PGA Academy & Yearling Course

PRACTICE

MAKES PERFECT Learn, improve and perfect your game at the PGA Academy and Yearling Course

MATTHEW NAYLOR HEAD PGA PROFESSIONAL

TIM COCKILL PGA PROFESSIONAL

SALLY HINTON PGA PROFESSIONAL

WILL ROBSON SENIOR PGA ASSISTANT

MEET THE TEAM The team of PGA professionals at Close House have access to industryleading technology and are experts in improving your game, from first picking up a club to reaching the European Tour.

www.closehouse.com 65

CLOSE HOUSE | PGA Academy & Yearling Course

PRACTICE FACILITIES Sharpen your short game with a huge green, two bunkers and a 360º playing area which replicates the Colt Course with tight approaches, rough and mounding. You can also hone your stroke on the new putting green - built ahead of the British Masters to complete the facilities at the PGA Academy. You can also improve your swing in the 10-bay, floodlit driving range with covered and open-air bays, power tees and TrueStrike range mats.

PGA ACADEMY CAFÉ The café is a great place to chill out and is a hub of activity. Hot and cold drinks and food are available throughout the day, and you can relax and watch Sky Sports Golf on the TV.

CUSTOM FIT Find the perfect clubs for you, from driver to wedges, with equipment from PING, Titleist, TaylorMade and more available to test using FlightScope technology. With the putting studio fitted with Sam Puttlab technology too, there is nowhere better for club fitting.

THE YEARLING COURSE Whether you need to work on your short game or you’re preparing to make the step from the PGA Academy to the golf course, there are few better places to practise than the Yearling par three course.

The nine-hole layout features holes from 35-70 yards, deep greenside bunkers, hazards and thick rough and playing to the par of 27 is far tougher than you expect.

66 www.closehouse.com

INFINITI NEWCASTLE

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We are a credit broker, and we are not a lender. Finance provided by Infiniti Financial Services, Eagle House, 78 St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 1AF. Subject to status. Guarantees and

indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Models shown for illustration purposes. Metallic paint available at extra cost. Terms and conditions apply, please visit your local dealer for full details. Offer valid until 30th September 2017 at participating dealers only and subject to vehicle availability. Offers not available in conjunction with any schemes or other offers. Vehicle price includes first registration fee and 12 months’ road fund licence and delivery costs. Infiniti Europe Division of Nissan International SA, Zone d’Activités La Pièce 12, 1180 Rolle, Switzerland. Terms and conditions apply. Finance subject to status. CO 2 /MPG figures based on EU regulated laboratory testing, and may not represent real-life driving results (which vary depending on driving behaviour, conditions and other factors). *Winner of European Customer Experience Award.

Shaping the future since 1705.

Our successful Diamond Structure helps to build fully rounded, confident individuals.

At the base of the diamond is the Junior School and Nursery, where boys and girls learn better together. Once they are seniors, pupils learn best in our separate Boys’ and Girls’ Schools.

Our students then learn together again in the mixed Sixth Form at the tip of the diamond, preparing them for the wider world.

We offer all the benefits of single sex education, with the social and cultural merits of a balanced and mixed environment.

Parents are welcome to arrange a visit to any of the Schools.

Please contact the Head of Admissions on 0191 275 0608. www.dameallans.co.uk

DAME ALLAN’S SCHOOLS building the future

YO U R M A G A Z I N E

EXPERTLY P ROD U C E D

We are proud to have worked with the team at Close House to produce this publication.

A magazine produced in line with your brand values helps deliver your marketing message direct to your target customers.

If you would like to know more on how an expertly produced publication can benefit your business please contact us.

Offstone publishing, One Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, NE43 7AL tel: 01661 844115 enquiries@ofstonepublishing.co.uk

the art of communicating

CLOSE HOUSE | Be our guest

A GRAND DAY OUT Find out why everyone is talking about Close House

S

GREEN FEES Colt Course

pend a day at Close House

each of your players to prize tables, gift

Adult visitor

£110

and you’ll understand why the

bags and bespoke dining for up to 140

Junior visitor

£75

members love it so much.

players. Golf days here are limited only

Member’s guest £40

by your imagination and the events team

Filly Course

is ready to prepare anything you need

Adult visitor

£50

from access to the PGA Academy and

to make your day stand out for years

Junior visitor

£37.50

complimentary shoe and club cleaning

to come. Take a look through some of

Member’s guest £20

before your round to a warm welcome

the events hosted here and you’ll see

in No.19 and fantastic food when

anything is possible.

Every guest can expect the same high level of service,

A range of golf day

For more information about hosting

packages are available

a personal, society, charity or corporate

from days out for small

is an unforgettable experience and the

golf day at Close House contact the

groups through to the

Close House team is on hand to deliver

events team, tel 01661 85 22 55

ultimate bespoke golf day.

everything from organising on-course

email events@closehouse.co.uk

Contact the events team for

scoring, challenges and golf buggies for

or visit www.closehouse.com

more information.

you’re finished.

Hosting an event at Close House

www.closehouse.com 69

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Collingwood Insurance Services (UK) Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Register no. 310870. Registered in England No 4174235. Collingwood Insurance Services (UK) Ltd, Collingwood House, Redburn Court, Earl Grey Way, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE29 6AR. *Minimum initial 28 day policy required. #£5 0ff 7 day policies.

CLOSE HOUSE | Professional advice

TARGET PRACTICE The key to this tricky tee shot is picking a small, precise target

With head PGA professional Matthew Naylor

T

he best players in the world will face

The key to this tee shot, whether you’re

some tough tee shots on the Colt

playing to the wider part of the fairway

Course and few are as tricky as the

or taking on the green, is picking a small,

par four seventh (or the 11th as the

precise target.

members know it).

There are two options from the tee: play

For those taking on the green, the right side of the pylon’s arm is the line while

into the widest part of the fairway with a long

those laying up should play for the right

iron and leave a wedge shot or take on the

edge of the trees below the pylon to have an

gap between the rockface and the tress and

unobstructed line to the green. Remember,

give yourself a great birdie or eagle chance.

aim small to miss small. www.closehouse.com 71

Wealth Management

Sometimes interest has nothing to do with money True wealth is about more than money.

Your local Barclays Wealth Management team have the expertise and experience to help you use your wealth to create the life you want for you and your family.

From wealth planning to mortgages to investment services, together we can lay the foundation for a long-term partnership built around your ambitions.

Investments can fall in value. You may get back less than you invest.

Call Richard Clark on 0191 260 4000 or search Barclays Wealth Management Because wealth is more than money

Calls are charged at local rate, mobile costs may vary - please check with your telecoms provider. Calls may be recorded so that we can monitor the quality of our service and for security purposes. *Lines are open between 9am – 5pm on normal business days.

Our Wealth services are available to clients to establish an investment portfolio with us of ÂŁ500k and above.

Barclays offers wealth and investment management products and services to its clients through Barclays Bank PLC and its subsidiary companies. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered No. 1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

CLOSE HOUSE | Last word

LAST WORD

Close House managing director Jonathan Lupton weighs up the impact of the British Masters for golf in the North East of England

T

he British Masters will be a huge

Tour and it would be incredible if the next Lee

moment in the history of Close House

Westwood were inspired by something we do

and it is a fantastic opportunity for

as part of hosting the British Masters.

us to showcase the North East as a golfing destination while inspiring

golfers of all ages.

The priority for the Close House team has always been to offer the best membership experience. We have worked hard to establish

We will welcome many of the world’s best

the premier golf facility in the North East and I

players to the North East for the first time in

am looking forward to enjoying British Masters

15 years this September and I am sure the

week with our members. We will be developing

golf will be incredible to watch. Seeing such

what we deliver further as we head into 2018

world-class players

to ensure our members enjoy the ultimate golf

up close is sure to

club experience.

“It would be incredible if the next Lee Westwood were inspired by something we do as part of hosting the British Masters”

inspire many people

We have spent two years preparing for this

to play golf – whether

event and I am sure the whole team will feel

for the first time or

a great deal of pride come Sunday when the

to pick the game

winner holes the final putt. We have learned a

back up.

lot during these last three years which we will

Away from the tournament action, the

take advantage of in the future as we continue

Junior Masters is sure to be a highlight. An

to promote the North East as a venue for the

idea proposed by our attached professional

world’s biggest events.

Lee Westwood, it will be a fantastic experience

I hope all our members enjoy the British

for the young players to play the course and to

Masters and feel the same pride as the team

meet Lee and the stars of the European Tour.

here in seeing this prestigious championship

At Close House we have developed a

being played at our club. Finally, to our guests,

player pathway capable of catering for golfers

thank you for visiting, we look forward to

from their first swing through to the European

welcoming you back soon. www.closehouse.com 73

CLOSE HOUSE | Competition

WIN THE CLOSE HOUSE EXPERIENCE

H

aving read all about the world-class

breakfast in the stunning No.19 clubhouse, and

experience available at Close House,

two rounds of golf - one on the Lee Westwood

here is your chance to win an overnight

Filly Course and one on the Lee Westwood Colt

stay for two people in a Courtyard

Course. You will also receive a piece of British

Suite with a three-course dinner and

Masters memorabilia to take home.

For your chance to win, head to www.closehouse.com/competition and answer the following question:

Who won the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National?

74 www.closehouse.com

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