WHEN it was announced that the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship was heading for the North-East this summer, Close House had a couple of main intentions in mind.

First and foremost a longer term aim, over the three year agreement with the European Senior Tour, is to firmly establish the Northumberland course on the outskirts of Newcastle as one of the country’s most well-known golfing venues.

Secondly Close House chiefs want to use the tournament week as an opportunity to open its doors for the region’s sporting enthusiasts in the hope of giving golf in the North-East and beyond a real boost.

And the exceptional Heddon-on-the-Wall golf course has made the perfect start to fulfilling its aims.

“In the three weeks we have had since the announcement we have processed applications for more than 8,700 tickets,” said Close House’s sales and marketing director Ian Dinning.

“The PGA has never known anything like it, but it just shows the level of interest that there is going to be in the oldest event on the European Tour schedule, it’s in its 59th year, coming to the region.

“We feel extremely privileged to be hosting the event and we want as many people as possible to come to watch the prestigious tournament, that’s why we have made the tickets available on a complimentary basis.”

Close House will be open to the public for the seven days that the Senior Tour players will be there warming up and competing for the actual four-round event, which takes place over between June 11-14.

Spectators will have the opportunity to watch the likes of Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance in action, while it is possible that Colin Montgomerie will grace the 6,813-yard Lee Westwood Colt course too.

“We want the PGA Seniors Championship to be accessible for everyone,” said Dinning, as he relaxed in the No.19 Clubhouse with the backdrop of the first fairway providing a stunning backdrop behind him.

“We want people, young and old, to come and along and see these big names in action but we also want them to come along and get involved in golf by coming to our academy where we will be working alongside the Get in to Golf campaign.

“We want to bring golf to everyone while they come to watch some of the best players in the world. There’s nothing else going on in June, there will be no football or other sporting events, so it’s a great opportunity for people to see some fantastic golf.

“We are expecting a big turnout and we will be opening our doors for the whole seven days, for the practice days and the Pro-Am. We want the whole week to feel special for everyone.”

If the next three years go to plan, and there are no obvious reasons why they shouldn’t, then Close House has even been mentioned as a possible venue for the British Masters on the European Tour, given how attached Tour pro Westwood will be heavily involved in selecting a venue in future years.

Dinning said: “Our ambition is to do more and to broaden our rising profile as one of the country’s top golf courses. In just three years we are now regarded as of the country’s top 100 golf courses and we want to establish ourselves as one of the best golfing destinations.”

*The ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship takes place between June 11-14, with around 20,000 spectators expected over the course over the four days of competition. Tickets are complimentary and available from www.closehouse.com/pgaseniors. Hospitality packages are also available on 01661 852255 or by emailing enquiries@closehouse.co.uk