AS the marquees were being constructed around the stunning Close House on the outskirts of Newcastle, inside the clubhouse European Tour chiefs delivered the latest boost to what looks certain to be the biggest golf tournament to have ever graced the North-East.

It has been confirmed that when the British Masters, which organisers hope will draw in crowds of 50,000, visits the region from September 28-October 1 there will be a trio of major champions competing alongside tournament host Lee Westwood and US Masters champion Sergio Garcia.

There is still time for more big names to confirm their attendance at one of the biggest Tour tournaments on the UK calendar, but for now ticket holders already know they will get to see Danny Willett, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell up close, so little wonder Westwood is excited to be playing host at such an exciting showpiece on the Northumberland course where he is the attached pro.

The star-studded list already had defending British Masters champion Alex Noren pencilled in as well as British stars Ross Fisher, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston and Chris Wood – not to mention Hartlepool’s very own South Africa Open champion Greame Storm.

And Westwood said: “I’m delighted that Martin, Graeme and Danny will be joining me at Close House. They are obviously guys I know well and with the likes of Sergio, Alex and Beef already confirmed, we’ve got a great field for the British Masters next month. The North-East region has really been getting behind the tournament, so everything is coming together nicely.”

Sky Sports, supporting the event, have already given away 10,000 free tickets and the anticipation is growing at Close House, where its owner Graham Wylie mingled with sponsors and the media on a special launch day sporting a huge smile.

Westwood, the former world No 1 who now lives in Newcastle, knows he has pulled off a coup by lining up Garcia – as the Masters champion tends to stayaway because it costs him a fortune just to play.

Every time Garcia tees off in the UK he gets hit with a massive tax bill, highlighting why he has played just twice outside the Open in the last ten years. The sum increases according to how many events they take part in and his earnings take a big hike now he is a major winner.

But he is ready to take the hit because of former Ryder Cup partner Westwood.

"I've known Sergio for a long time – ever since he came out on Tour 18 years ago as that fresh-faced kid who was snapping at Tiger Woods heels in the 1999 USPGA Championship,” said Westwood.

“We all know about Sergio’s reasons for not playing very often in the UK, and I feel like it’s a massive coup to have him in the field for the British Masters – especially so soon after his win in the ‘other’ Masters! He always gets fantastic support at the Open, and he has a special relationship with British golf fans. I’m sure we’ll see that again at Close House. As well as being a great addition to the field he will beat tough guy to beat.”

Garcia explained: “Lee came to play our charity event last year in Switzerland, Sergio and Friends. He made a great effort to come over there the day after the Open Championship.

"He asked me if I would do the same thing for him for the British Masters and obviously he is a good friend of mine, so I said yes. It's going to be great – I always get a great reception at the Open, and Lee promised me the welcome I’ll get in the North-East will be just as warm.

“I'm excited about playing my first British Masters since 1998. I played it as an amateur a couple of times and I have good memories. It should be neat to be involved again.”

Kaymer has two major wins to his name – the 2010 US PGA Championship and the 2014 US Open Championship – and, like Westwood, he is a former world No 1.

McDowell won the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2010, becoming the first European to win the title since Tony Jacklin in 1970, and he went on to secure the winning point for Europe in the Ryder Cup that year in Wales. He finished fourth at The Grove last year.

Willett’s presence in the field alongside Garcia means the two most recent Masters champions will be at Close House. The Englishman claimed the Green Jacket at Augusta in 2016 – with Westwood finishing joint runner-up – and he is also looking forward to being part of the strong field at Close House.

“Lee and I obviously go back a long way so it will be good to join him in the British Masters field at Close House,” said Willett. “The British Masters has been a big success since it came back on our schedule and part of that has been taking it to different areas. I know the fans up in Newcastle have already been supporting the event, so I think we are all looking forward to playing there next month.”

Advanced ticket sales have been described as excellent. Check out the Close House website for details.

Hospitality packages for The Colt Pavilion are also available. Prices for The Colt Pavilion, which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House, start at £275 + VAT per person.

For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 email enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com.