TOP CLASS European Tour golf is heading to the North-East.

Close House, a championship golfing venue in Heddon-on-the-Wall, ten minutes from Newcastle city centre, is to host the biggest golfing event to have ever hit the North-East.

It has been confirmed that the British Masters, which was held at The Grove in Hertfordshire last week, will be heading to the region next year.

Hosted by resident Tour star Lee Westwood, and supported by the might of Sky Sports, the British Masters will come to the North-East next autumn and will see the European Tour’s biggest and brightest stars descend on Close House to compete for the 2017 title.

“I’m delighted to announce that I will be taking over as host of the British Masters next year. I’m well connected with Close House, and I’m sure it will be a fantastic test of golf for the players coming up to the North East,” said Westwood.

“I was at the golf course the other day and you could probably hold the tournament there now. It’s always in fantastic condition, so I’m sure the players will enjoy it.

The Northern Echo:

The British Masters, founded in 1946, has brought together tour stars from across the world to vie for the trophy, with past winners including gold Olympic medallist Justin Rose, past world number one Nick Faldo, and the host himself, Westwood.

What was once a part of Newcastle University, Close House and the affiliated golf course was revived in 2004 after local entrepreneur Graham Wylie invested in the future of his much loved home town.

Now Close House is world-renowned for its excellent courses and state-of-the-art facilities.

“We are very excited to have the British Masters next year. The North-East loves its sport, but we don’t get that many events so when we do, people support them in tremendous fashion,” commented Wylie, owner of Close House.

“To have the British Masters next year will be fantastic not just for Close House, but for the whole region. We are grateful that Sky Sports are supporting the event and Lee Westwood is a great ambassador for the sport and he is our Close House Tour Professional, so we are delighted he has chosen Close House to host the British Masters and we will put on a great event for him."

For more information on Close House, visit www.closehouse.com.