TOMMY FLEETWOOD has pulled out of this week’s British Masters at Close House because of the impending birth of his first child.

Fleetwood, who currently tops the European Tour’s Race to Dubai rankings, had been set to compete alongside the likes of Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Danny Willett and Lee Westwood.

However, his partner is due to give birth any day, and he has opted not to take part in the event, which gets underway on Thursday.

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“I wanted to give myself every chance of playing this week, but being there at the birth of your child is a special moment in anyone’s life and I would not want to miss it,” said Fleetwood.

“Lee Westwood has done a great job as tournament host of the British Masters and I want to wish him, Sky Sports, and everyone else involved all the best for what should be a great week at Close House. I look forward to returning to playing soon and hopefully I can have a strong end to the season and compete for the Race to Dubai title.”

The British Masters might not begin for another few days, but the action at Close House gets underway tomorrow night with the Hero Challenge.

A combination of golfers and celebrities will take part in a knock-out competition at the par-three 18th featuring music, pyrotechnics and floodlights.

Wednesday will see the more conventional Hero Pro-Am, with a host of big names from the worlds of sport and show-business confirmed.

Four-time Major winner McIlroy will be joined by TV presenter Vernon Kay as he tees off at 8.20am, while Garcia will head down the first at 9.10am.

Ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League game with Liverpool on Sunday, two teams of former players will renew rivalries on the fairways.

Robbie Fowler, Jason McAteer and Kenny Dalglish will be representing Liverpool, with Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole and Ryan Taylor taking to the tee for the Magpies.

The Liverpool stars will start at 12pm with 2016 Ryder Cup player and Liverpool fan Andy Sullivan, while the Newcastle contingent will tee off at 12.20pm along with Hartlepool professional Graeme Storm.

Sunderland will be represented by John O’Shea and Lee Cattermole, with the duo having been paired with Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards and Spaniard Adrian Otaegui at 7.40am.

Two of England finest ever bowlers, Stuart Broad and James Anderson, will represent the world of cricket alongside McDowell at 12.10pm. Champion jockeys Sir AP McCoy, Ruby Walsh and Mick Fitzgerald will be hoping to canter up the leaderboard in the company of Matteo Manassero at 12.30pm.

Tickets for the Pro-Am are priced at £20, with all proceeds going to the tournament’s official charity, the Graham Wylie Foundation.