Close House magazine - 2015

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF CLOSE HOUSE

MAJOR AMBITION

LEE WESTWOOD LOOKS AHEAD TO THE MAJORS AND A BIG YEAR FOR CLOSE HOUSE

INSIDE THE ISPS HANDA PGA SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT EUROPRO TOUR COMES TO CLOSE HOUSE CLOSE HOUSE MEMBERS HAVE THEIR SAY GOLF FASHION FROM J LINDEBERG

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CLOSE HOUSE | Foreword

INSIDE 06 SENIORS SO CLOSE A look ahead to the PGA Senior Championship 10 LEE WESTWOOD Catching up with the Close House attached professional

AN INCREDIBLE YEAR AHEAD...

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elcome to the Summer 2015 edition of Close House magazine and the start of a season of incredible events here at Close House.

The highlight for many of our members and visitors is sure to be the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship, which takes place June 11-14. I’m sure everyone who joins us for the event, for which tickets are complimentary, and will enjoy seeing some of the greatest players who have ever swung a golf club take on the Lee Westwood Colt Course.

I arrived at Close House more than 10 years ago, and it’s incredible that the Lee Westwood Colt Course, which is only four years old, has already been named in the Top 100 courses in the UK & Ireland and will host this prestigious European Senior Tour event.

It’s a privilege to lead the incredible team here, which has grown from me,

my desk and my fridge in a Portakabin to a team of 92 across golf, events and hospitality. I hope each of them is as proud as I am when they see Close House on the national and international stage, and when they see the recognition we are recieving so early in our journey.

They are, without doubt, the best team I have ever worked with.

Looking further ahead, I hope this year’s events and the work we are doing through the Academy inspire more young people to take up the sport, and perhaps one of them will one day emulate our attached professional Lee Westwood.

I hope all our members and our visitors enjoy the Close House experience, and if this magazine is your introduction to us, welcome to our club.

John Glendinning Managing Director

Editor - Jane Pikett email jane@offstonepublishing.co.uk Words - Dean Bailey & Liz Hands Close House - Ian Dinning email ian.dinning@closehouse.co.uk Advertising - enquiries@offstonepublishing.co.uk Photography Kevin Gibson, www.kgphotography.co.uk Peter Skelton, www.peterskeltonphotography.co.uk • Critical Tortoise, www.criticaltortoise.com

18 LEE WESTWOOD COLT A guide to the Lee Westwood Colt, from the man himself 24 THE ACADEMY Practice makes perfect 34 IN FASHION Golf fashion from J Lindeberg 40 GOLF DAYS Enjoy the Close House experience for a day 44 NO.19 Relax and dine at Close House 50 THE YEARLING The latest addition to Close House 62 HAVE A HEART The Have a Heart Trophy in aid of CHUF - May 18 66 ON THE COURSE WITH...

Durham CCC’s Graham Onions

produced by

publishing

Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AJ tel 01661 844 115 • www.offstonepublishing.co.uk ©Offstone Publishing 2015. 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.

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CLOSE HOUSE | Captain’s log

CAPTAIN’S LOG Close House captain Nigel Brown looks ahead to a big year

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t’s a great honour to be writing this column as captain of Close House, following a fantastic year as vice captain to Tim Price. I must thank Tim for choosing me to be his vice captain and for his help and support ahead of this year, which has already proved invaluable.

I am fortunate to be captain in 2015, a year which sees a number of fantastic events at Close House including the PGA Seniors Championship, a visit from the EuroPro Tour, the return of the Have a Heart golf day in May, visits from our attached professional Lee Westwood, and a number of club events both on and off the course.

In the last 12 months, both the Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly courses have improved immeasurably, the former being named in the Top 100 golf courses in the UK & Ireland, and credit goes to course manager Brian Clark and his team. I am sure everyone, from the world’s best professionals to members and visitors, will find the courses in immaculate condition this year and enjoy their golf at Close House.

I must also thank managing director John Glendinning and all the members of the golf and hospitality teams who work tirelessly to provide the best golf club membership experience money can buy.

I look forward to leading the men’s golf team this year.

Last year saw us finish second in the Hadrian Golf League for a third year in a row and we have the talent to go that one step further this year. I also wish the junior and ladies’ teams the best of luck. Representing Close House across the North East and nationally at a number of events is a great privilege. The club’s reputation continues to grow year on year and I am sure it will continue to do so in the coming 12 months. I wish you a happy and successful 2015 and look forward to seeing you at Close House.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY

Captain’s Day August 1 st

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FLAGSHIP CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO CLOSE HOUSE Some of golf’s biggest names are heading to Close House in June for the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship - and you can see it for free

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olfing legends from around the world will compete for the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship over Close House’s Lee Westwood Colt Course this summer, with major champions, Ryder Cup captains and local favourites set to compete in a strong field.

The European Senior Tour’s flagship event, and the only one outside the majors to be played over four rounds, the championship will be played on June 11-14.

It’s free to attend and a fantastic opportunity to get closer to the players than any other top-level tour. You can also interact with players during their practice rounds and clinics ahead of the tournament.

Close House owner Graham Wylie says: “To stage a top-ranking tournament of this magnitude for the first time confirms an exciting period in our development and is testament to everyone connected with Close House.

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“This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our facilities and will allow golf fans in the North East an exclusive opportunity to see top-class professional golf.

“When we first came here more than 10 years ago, we never thought we would host an event like this. To have the PGA and the European Senior Tour follow Lee Westwood in recognising the quality of our courses is fantastic.

“Having spent most of my life watching the likes of Mark James and Colin Montgomerie on television, I can’t wait to welcome some of the best players the world has seen to Close House this summer.”

The oldest event on the European Senior Tour, past winners of the PGA Seniors Championship include Ryder Cup-winning player and captain Sam Torrance, 25-time Senior Tour winner Carl Mason, and 2010 PGA Seniors Championship winner David J Russell.

Russell, chairman of the European Senior Tour, is looking forward to returning to the North East, playing the Lee Westwood Colt Course in championship conditions, and bringing the crowds closer to the players. He says: “This is an exciting time for the tour to be coming back to the North East with its flagship event. This year we’re going to be doing a lot more with the fans, including a number of clinics at the Academy at Close House.

“The Lee Westwood Colt Course is very impressive and I am sure all the players will enjoy their week here. It’s not the longest course, but it will require players to move the ball around, which is something the Senior Tour players are used to, and something which makes for very entertaining viewing.

“The crowds in the North East are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable, and I’m sure they’ll enjoy the week.”

Russell will likely be joined by a number of Europe’s best players, including former

CLOSE HOUSE | PGA Seniors Championship

Sam Torrance

Mark James

Ryder Cup captains Mark James and Sam Torrance, plus 2013 and 2014 English Senior Open winners Steen Tinning and Cesar Monasterio.

Rob Maxfield, PGA chief operating officer, says: “Graham and his team have created a world-class facility at Close House. Since my first visit five years ago I have wanted to bring our event back to Northumberland and in particular to Close House.

“The Lee Westwood Colt Course is now in the Top 100 courses in the UK & Ireland and I know it

“I can’t wait to welcome some

of the best players the world has seen to Close House this summer” David J Russell, Graham Wylie and Rob Maxfield

Constantiono Rocca

GRAHAM WYLIE, CLOSE HOUSE

will add to the already strong list of English clubs to host this prestigious event. Our events in the North East have always been incredibly popular with fans and I’m sure we’ll see another great event at Close House this year.

“We also have a great opportunity to grow the game of golf here at Close House with the focal point of the PGA Seniors Championship. The club is home to several PGA professionals who are coaching new players, juniors and existing players.

We’ll be putting on a number of clinics throughout the week with some of the best players in the world, and we hope to continue the work of the team here, and PGA pros across the North East, in supporting and growing the game.”

The ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship was inaugurated in 1957 and has been played at a number of the UK’s leading courses including Royal Mid-Surrey, Gleneagles, North Berwick, www.closehouse.com 7

a long history of being contested at prestigious venues and Close House is a worthy addition to that list” SANDY JONES, PGA CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Royal Dublin, Sunningdale (Old) and The Belfry.

Sandy Jones, PGA chief executive, says: “The PGA Seniors Championship has a long history of being contested at prestigious venues and Close House is a worthy addition to that list.

“The ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship is the oldest event on the European Senior Tour calendar and will hopefully feature many of your favourite golfers including Sandy Lyle, Mark James, Sam Torrance, Barry Lane, Ronan Rafferty, Gordon Brand Jnr, Greg Turner, Costantino Rocca, Gary Wolstenholme and more.”

The ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship will be played over the 6,813-yard par-71 Lee Westwood Colt Course, which was designed by Scott Macpherson and officially opened in 2011.

The event was won in 2014 by Spanish former European Tour player Santiago Luna, who closed with a superb seven under-par round of 64 to claim a two shot victory over Denmark’s Steen Tinning at The Stoke By Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa in Essex.

Barry Lane

Carl Mason

For more information, and to download your complimentary ticket, go to www.closehouse.com/pgaseniors

THE ASSOCIATE SPONSORS OF THE 2015 ISPS HANDA PGA SENIORS CHAMPIONSHIP

8 www.closehouse.com

Carl Mason & Barry Lane images: © photogolfer / Shutterstock.com

“The PGA Seniors Championship has

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GET CLOSER Close House attached professional Lee Westwood looks ahead to another busy year on tour and at Close House - his UK home from home

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hen Lee Westwood put his name to the Lee Westwood Colt at Close House in 2011, the prospect of the course making it into the Top 100 courses in the UK & Ireland, and hosting the European Senior Tour’s flagship championship, remained a way off still.

But with the Colt achieving both, the course Westwood fell in love with the first time he saw it is in the forefront of his mind. “The Colt being named in the Top 100 courses in the UK & Ireland just four years into its life was fantastic,” he says. “To follow that up with the PGA Seniors Championship played here tells you a lot about the growing reputation of Close House in the UK and across Europe.”

Hosting as many events as possible in the UK is key in inspiring young people to pick up the game, he says, and to ensure that happens he has teamed up with fellow Englishmen Ian Poulter, Luke Donald and Justin Rose to host the British Masters on the European Tour the event returning in October 2015 after a seven-year hiatus.

“It’s crucial that we have as many topclass tournaments in England as possible, whether they’re European, European Senior or Ladies European tour events,” he says. “I hope youngsters will join us for the PGA Seniors Championship at Close House in June and get

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the bug after seeing some big-name players in the flesh.”

The championship, which takes place June 11-14, brings together old adversaries from the European Tour and a number of former captains of the European Ryder Cup team, of which Westwood has been a member for the last nine contests. They will be challenged by the Colt, says Westwood.

“The Senior Tour players will face a difficult test here,” he says. “The Colt offers quite a challenge and they will have to do their homework to score well. It can be quite unsettling, even for the professionals, and I’m sure there will be plenty of excitement coming down the stretch.

“It will be exciting for the spectators, particularly come the Sunday afternoon, as there are plenty of big decisions for the players to make. Knowing what I know about Close House, I’m sure the fans will enjoy plenty of excitement.”

Moving on to the subject of the Ryder Cup - an event which has been important to Westwood since he made his first appearance in 1997 at Valderrama - it’s clear the 2014 event at Gleneagles is still fresh in his mind.

“It was another incredible week and I was pleased to help deliver another couple of points for the team,” he says. “I’ve played in nine Ryder Cups now and it was great fun to

CLOSE HOUSE | Lee Westwood

be paired with Jamie Donaldson three times.

I hope I did my bit in helping him through his first Ryder Cup.” Donaldson hit the winning shot on the Sunday at Gleneagles as Europe completed a 16.5-11.5 win over the US. “We knew we were close as we got into the final stretch on Sunday, but there is still nothing like that moment when you realise you’ve won it,” says Westwood with a broad smile. “The team gets on so well, and that feeling when you get over the line is one I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of.”

Westwood won twice in 2014, taking his professional wins to 41 with victories at the Maybank Malaysian Open in April and the Thailand Golf Championship in December. “It was an inconsistent year, even though there were wins at each end of it, but it was great to win in Thailand at the end and that gave me something to build on for 2015,” he says.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win quite a few times during my career and each one gives you confidence. Coming from the pack to win late was brilliant and it was a great feeling to take into my break.”

The break was, he says, a great opportunity to recharge his batteries prior to the 2015 season. “I’d never complain about the amount of travel I do, but when I’m not playing it’s great to spend time with the family.

“It’s crucial that we have as

many top-class tournaments in England as possible” It’s so good to recharge and do normal things, like walk the dogs and watch sport on TV. “We’re very settled in Florida now and loving life over there. The kids like the lifestyle and I think being there will help my game in the long-term.”

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Following the break, Westwood returned to practising at home in Florida and recorded two top five finishes in February. “I’m fairly happy with the start of the season, and I have the sense there’s plenty more to come,” he says. “I shot 65 in my first round of the year in Dubai and you can’t ask for much more than that.

I was satisfied with my week there and I put myself right in contention in Malaysia.

“I’m constantly working at all parts of my game. Lots has been made of the work I’ve been putting in at the gym and I’m grafting as hard as ever on the range as well.”

When we catch up, Westwood’s focus is set on the year’s first major, the Masters, at Augusta National, where he has finished no worse than tied-11th in the last six years.

“I’m having a decent run at it and hopefully I’ll hit form at the right time,” he says. “I can’t imagine ever not looking forward to going to Augusta and I’ve played well there over the last five years or so. I’d never predict that it could be my year, but I like to think I’ve got a decent chance of being there or thereabouts.”

Westwood will return to another course he knows well when the Open Championship returns to St Andrews. “It’s an iconic place with an amazing aura,” he says. “My experience will do me no harm, though there’s no shortage of guys who have played there very regularly over the years. People have talked a lot about the changes, but the scoring was not actually that low five years ago. And no-one ever wants to be in the Road Hole bunker anyway, do they?” he laughs.

Westwood returns to home soil for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and he is already looking forward to returning to Close House. “The FedEx play-offs are so big nowadays, but I think the English players look forward to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. It’s still the flagship event of the tour and the one you’d always like to win.

“My first trip back to Close House is 12 www.closehouse.com

in May, for the Have Heart Trophy, which I’m really looking forward to; it’s sure to be another brilliant day. Last year was certainly a memorable one and as well as raising more than £232,000, everyone involved had a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside Ant and Dec. “Every time I go to Close House I’m impressed, and I know that there are improvements going on all the time. I’ve been associated with the resort for a long time now and I love hearing great feedback from people who’ve been here. I’ve got a lot of friends in the North East and have always had a good time here. Yes, the weather’s a bit kinder in Florida, but it’s always good to come back to Close House.” *Following the year’s first major Westwood won the Indonesian Masters for a third time, birdieing the first playoff hole to beat Chapchai Nirat

WESTWOOD HO: Lee Westwood playing in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic

CLOSE HOUSE | Advertorial

LASTING POWER OF ATTORNEY

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Paul Nickalls (pictured) is a Partner and Head of Wealth Management at Sintons. He has over 17 years of experience in wills, trusts, probate and wealth management work in the North East.

hile often regarded as ‘one of those things that will never happen to me’, the risk of falling victim to a life changing accident or serious illness applies to us all. Whether you are 24 or 84, it is something you can never be completely certain will never occur.

If that did happen, and you were left unable to express your wishes, who would act on your behalf?

Without having a lasting power of attorney, that role may not fall to the person you think it would, and most importantly, could be given to someone you do not want.

A lasting power of attorney is a legal document that can specify who you would like to make decisions on your behalf, should you ever lose the capacity to do so. It can be one person, or several people, they can be family members, friends or trusted professional advisors – but most importantly, people you trust

to the court is lengthy and expensive, and they will probably review your dealings every year which incurs further annual costs.

In the absence of any family, and if no close friends present themselves, the court could appoint a solicitor to act on your behalf. While they will of course act in what they believe to be your best interests, this may be a solicitor who has never met you, and has no idea of your preferences or wishes.

While the possibility of losing the capacity to make your own decisions is more likely for the older generation, it is equally applicable to anyone of any age. Unless you explicitly state through a lasting power of attorney who you want to act on your behalf should the worst happen – then you have no certainty as to who will do it.

But by spending a modest amount of time and money with a solicitor to prepare a lasting power of

enough to fulfil such a role.

While many people believe the role would naturally fall to their spouse or child, that is not necessarily

attorney, you can have the peace of mind of knowing your wishes and best interests will be carried out, should you ever be unable to act for yourself.

the case. In the absence of legal documentation expressing your wishes, anyone can apply to the court to be a deputy – estranged family members, former spouses, or friends you may no longer be close to could all theoretically be considered.

The decision on who is appointed will be made by a court. It may be the case they appoint one of your close relatives who you would never want to act on your behalf. Furthermore, the process of applying

To speak to Paul, contact him on paul.nickalls@ sintons.co.uk or on 0191 226 3640

Sintons LLP, The Cube, Barrack Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6DB, UK

www.closehouse.com 13

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CLOSE HOUSE | Membership

MEMBERS BENEFITS

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Come and join, everyone is welcome

embership at Close House is a unique experience, offering far more than the chance to tee it up on the world’s first Lee Westwood golf courses.

The golf courses, the Lee Westwood Colt, named in the Top 100 golf courses in the UK & Ireland by Golf Monthly, and the Lee Westwood Filly, are open to members year round, including exclusive use of the Colt course on Saturdays and Sundays.

Both courses are endorsed by former world number one Westwood and offer something for every golfer - from nine holes in the evening on

the Lee Westwood Filly to The Tiger Challenge on the Lee Westwood Colt, which sees players tested to the limit on the championship course.

Combine two top courses with access to the world-class facilities at the Academy, the new Yearling par-three course, and a fantastic range of added benefits including exclusive competitions and discounts on Close House facilities and goods, and you’re beginning to get an idea of the experience at Close House.

Close House is first and foremost a members’ club, with a passion for delivering the best golf club membership package available in the UK. Enjoy it…and join the club.

“Our membership has always been at the heart of everything we do here at Close House” Graham Wylie, owner MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Full membership £1,966 or £163.83 per month Spouse membership £1,560 or £130 per month Country membership (inclusive of rooms) £1,966 or £163.84 per month Available to those who have their full-time residence at least 75 miles from the club and are a member of another golf club. Country membership includes unlimited golf plus six nights accommodation.

Intermediate membership (aged 18-25) £780 or £65 per month

Junior membership (aged 13-17) £190 Includes regular competitions. All the golf facilities at Close House are open to juniors and PGA pros work with all juniors on their Junior Golf Passport.

NEW ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP Adult £288 - includes access to practice facilities including unlimited use of the new Yearling course, a round on the Lee Westwood Filly, and two half hour golf lessons with a PGA professional. *All prices include VAT

To find out more about Close House membership, contact the golf membership team, tel 01661 85 22 55 email membership@closehouse.co.uk www.closehouse.com 15

LADIES WHO GOLF We share an afternoon at No.19 with Close House members Christine Nugent and Fiona Raglan

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s anyone who has played here will tell you, the moment you turn through the gates of Close House towards No.19 and the Lee Westwood Colt and Filly courses is generally one to savour; a moment when you can shake off the cares of everyday life and relax into your free time.

That’s exactly what Fiona Raglan and Christine Nugent have just done when we meet in the Westwood Suite in No.19 one sunny March afternoon.

“There’s nothing like the drive in,” Christine says as we take a seat overlooking the Lee Westwood Filly Course. “Sometimes, when I drive in, I’m still thinking about something work-related, but that rapidly disappears. There’s nothing like the feeling when you step onto the first tee and leave it all behind.”

Christine, who has been playing golf for 10 years, and Fiona, who joined Close House in April 2014, enjoy the inclusive culture here, and, as business owners, the flexibility they enjoy as members. “Being able to play golf when we like, through the week or at the weekend, is fantastic,” Fiona says. “For me, getting into golf was about the lifestyle. I’ve got a very busy business, but I’m no longer as hands-on as I was and my boys are grown up, so I felt I was ready for some me time. Golf fits in with work and we can play whenever we like. Having the chance to come as we please is really important.”

For Christine, flexibility was a big part of the her decision to choose Close House. “I would be really disappointed if I’d made time to play golf and couldn’t.

The relaxed style here is really important,” she says.

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For Christine and Fiona, the friendly atmosphere was also key in making the decision to join. “It’s all down to the people here,” Fiona says. “We were given a tour of the courses, the Academy and No.19, and as soon as we arrived we felt very comfortable and very welcome.

We joined there and then. It was an easy decision.”

The friendly atmosphere continues to be a big part of why they choose to spend their time here. “The golf services team are always so lovely,” Christine adds.

“They’re more than happy to put your trolley up and look after you.”

As well as playing as often as their commitments

CLOSE HOUSE | Member interview

“As soon as we arrived we felt very

comfortable and very welcome.

We joined there and then. It was an easy decision to make” allow, time off the course at Close House is also key.

“It’s comfortable here. Everyone is so friendly, it’s very easy to get involved in things and chat to people,” Fiona says. “We came to a presentation night last year and we had a great evening, we were made so welcome.

Because we’re here every week, it feels a lot like home.”

Having played a few holes before we meet, Christine and Fiona are keen to get out and play at every opportunity. “We haven’t got our handicaps yet but it’s our aim for this year. We will be doing that as soon as the season starts,” Fiona says.

“We’re keen to get involved in more events and

meet more people and it’s an important step,” adds Christine. “At the moment we seem to talk more than we play competitively together, so we may need to play with other people to get that competitive edge and really concentrate on improving.”

So, with all that going on, what makes Close House special? Fiona says: “We wanted to finish playing golf and be able to relax in a lovely space, have some nice food and a great cup of coffee – the whole package was really important to us.”

The only hard bit seems to be heading the other way back up the drive and out of the gates again. www.closehouse.com 17

IN ITS PRIME

The Lee Westwood Colt Course at Close House, as played by the man himself

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knew the first time I played the Lee Westwood Colt Course at Close House that it was destined to become one of the UK’s best courses. From the stunning landscape in which it is set to the elements of risk and reward presented throughout the round, what Scott Macpherson has created is truly spectacular.

The thing that came as a shock was how quickly it gained that recognition.

I am proud to be associated with Close House and it’s great to come back and see things improving year after year. When I played the Colt Course last year it was brilliant. It offers a real test and it says a lot for a course as young as the Colt to be named in the UK & Ireland’s Top 100 courses.

There continue to be small tweaks and alterations, and the course manager Brian Clark and his team are finetuning the course each year to ensure it remains a true test. There are some testing holes and some demanding shots – there’s a very good reason it is played at maximum difficulty just one day a year.

I relish the prospect of playing it again, and I hope I’ll see you out there.

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CLOSE HOUSE | The Lee Westwood Colt

The seniors will face a difficult test on the Colt this summer, and they will really have to do their homework to score well; it can be unsettling even for the professionals. Here is my insight into the Lee Westwood Colt Course...

HOLE 1: 375 YARDS, PAR FOUR Far from the easiest opening tee shot you’ll ever face, the best line to the opening green is often from the left side of the fairway. However, this is the most difficult side of the fairway to hit.

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4

HOLE 4: 199 YARDS, PAR THREE The par threes on the Colt course each have a different profile and the fourth is widely regarded as the toughest of them - it is certainly the longest. In my experience, it plays half a club longer than you think and I advise avoiding the bunkers at the front.

HOLE 9: 185 YARDS, PAR THREE The ninth is an attractive but difficult hole. The green is narrow from front to back and this can make club selection tough. However, there is lots of room on the right half of the green, although when there’s $1m up for grabs on May 18 I’m sure you won’t be thinking of playing safe!

9 HOLE 13: 423 YARDS, PAR FOUR The 13th on the Colt course offers some of the best views. The fairway is generous, but there are lots of bunkers to be avoided. When the flag is front right, play right. If not, it’s best to get as far left as you can. Watch out for the stream to the right of the green.

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HOLE 18: 363 YARDS, PAR FOUR The 18th on the Colt is a real favourite. A classic strong finish, the ha-ha wall down the right side of the fairway has to be avoided, as does the fairway bunker to the left. The green is well guarded with the wall and a bunker, while the old Ice Lake protects the right side.

It’s a tough hole to finish on and I’m sure there will be great excitement there throughout the season. www.closehouse.com 19

“TO HAVE THE RECOGNITION WE

HAVE SO EARLY IN OUR STORY IS FANTASTIC. IT’S A FUN PLACE TO BE” GRAHAM WYLIE, CLOSE HOUSE

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CLOSE HOUSE | Corporate membership

THE BUSINESS OF GOLF Whether you’re meeting clients, rewarding employees, or hosting your annual golf day, Close House is the perfect venue

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hen it comes to entertaining key clients, employees and stakeholders there are few venues that offer a service like Close House.

Whether you’re working on a big deal, getting to know a new business partner in a relaxed setting, or getting out the office for a few holes with colleagues on a Friday afternoon, you’ll find a warm welcome, world-class facilities, two golf courses approved by Lee Westwood, and everything else you need to relax away from work.

Just eight miles from Newcastle, Close House is the perfect location for meetings on and off the course – the latter perfectly placed

in the recently refurbished No.19 clubhouse and Westwood Suite.

For those welcoming guests to the North East, Close House’s award-winning food and accommodation, coupled with its close links to the city and Newcastle International Airport, make it the ideal place.

As well as offering the benefits of membership to businesses, Close House also has an expert team to facilitate golf days for any size of party including everything from oncourse branding to entertainment and dining.

The bespoke nature of corporate golf days at Close House makes for days to remember.

For more on golf days at Close House go to page 40.

To find out more about the Close House corporate and associate membership contact the golf membership team at Close House, tel 01661 85 22 55, email membership@closehouse.co.uk

CLOSE HOUSE CORPORATE PARTNERS

www.closehouse.com 21

CORPORATE MEMBER PROFILE Close House corporate member, Break90

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he latest corporate member at Close House, Northumberland-based Break90 is already benefiting from its relationship with the club.

The Academy at Close House is home to Break90’s innovative Xpress Podshop, an automated unit which stocks everything from Tom Tom GPS Watches to tee pegs and leaves Close House’s golf services and PGA professional teams free to concentrate on serving members and guests.

As well as the home of its innovative pod, Close House has proved the perfect venue to entertain partners and clients for Break90.

Director Rob Mullen says: “In the space of just a few months, Close House has proved to be a fantastic venue for hosting clients and an ideal place to showcase the Break90 concept.

“The experience my guests, colleagues and I enjoy here is first-class. Everyone here is incredibly professional and I am yet to find a friendlier club anywhere in the UK. “We wanted to partner with a venue that would impress clients from across the UK

22 www.closehouse.com

and Europe. Close House offers that, just a short drive from our office. We also identified a number of synergies between our brand and Close House. In particular, a progressive approach to golf – breaking down old barriers of stuffiness and archaic rules. Golf should no longer be stuck in the mud with out-dated rules and ideas, and Close House is well ahead of the majority of clubs in the UK. Break90 director Fiona Lutz adds: “Having never played golf before launching Break90, but spent time in a number of clubs, I was surprised by the inclusive culture at Close House. I have now started to learn to play and my preconceptions of golf clubs have been proved completely wrong. Both in the Academy and in No.19 my guests and I are made to feel welcome and the quality of service is fantastic. “The links established with our fellow corporate members have already generated opportunities and we are looking forward to building lasting relationships with our fellow members and with Close House.” www.break90.co.uk

The Heineken drinks buggy

CLOSE HOUSE | Corporate membership

CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP Corporate membership includes: • An exclusive golf day on the Lee Westwood Colt Course with on-course branding • An exclusive invitation to the Lee Westwood corporate challenge • Points which can be exchanged for rounds on the Lee Westwood Colt Course and the Lee Westwood Filly Course • Founder member status for four personnel, entitling them to take part in the founder member challenge trophy and dinner, and to hold their handicap at Close House and play in club competitions • Sponsorship of one hole on the Lee Westwood Colt Course and one hole on the Lee Westwood Filly Course, with brand signage provided by Close House • 10% discount at any facility at Close House Corporate mambership is currently full, to add your business name to the waiting list please call the corporate sales team.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP Associate membership, limited to 18 companies on the Lee Westwood Filly Course, includes: • Points which can be exchanged for rounds on the Lee Westwood Filly Course • An exclusive golf day on the Lee Westwood Filly Course with on-course branding • 20 rounds per year on the Lee Westwood Colt Course at the member’s guest rate of £35 per person Monday-Thursday (normally £110 per person) with only one fourball at any one time • A membership card for four named employees to charge purchases up to an agreed credit limit, plus 10% discount off food and drink.

• Corporate accommodation rates for Close House Courtyard rooms Limited places available, call the corporate sales team for more information. www.closehouse.com 23

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Whether you’re practising for a big game alongside Lee Westwood on the European Tour, or making your first tentative steps in golf, the Academy at Close House is the ideal place to hone your skills

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he Close House Academy is open to golfers of all ages and abilities, whether you’re a member of the club or a guest trying out the world-class facilities. If you’re looking to sharpen your game, there are covered and open-air driving range bays and a specialist short game practice area prepared to the same high standard as the Lee Westwood Colt and Filly courses.

Meanwhile, the tuition suite is fitted with the latest camera and flight-tracking equipment for your long game, and a SAM Puttlab for the shortest - often most difficult - part of the game.

Finally, the custom fit suite, again fitted with the latest technology, offers access to leading brands and Close House’s PGA professionals are experts in helping you to select the best clubs.

The driving range also has the latest floodlight technology, which means you get to practise late into the evening. Then, when you’ve tuned your game to your satisfaction, you can enjoy a coffee and a light bite in the Academy café.

Facilities: - PGA-qualified professional staff - Floodlights for late-evening practice - Long-game and short-game practice areas

24 www.closehouse.com

- Technical analysis aided by video capture through GASP software - Tuition with Close House golf professionals - High performance custom-fitting Flightscope radar system - SAM puttlab analysis system for ultimate putting stroke feedback - Introduction of physical profiling to aid golf development - Demo equipment from leading brands - Access to the nine-hole Yearling course Opening Times Monday 8am-9pm, Tuesday 10am-9pm Wednesday 8am-9pm, Thursday 8am-9pm Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 8am-7pm Sunday 8am-7pm *Last balls are dispensed half an hour before the building closes Prices 40 balls £4 80 balls £6 Range cards £25 card = 10% extra range balls £50 card = 25% extra range balls

CLOSE HOUSE | Academy

MEET THE TEAM Tuition from a PGA professional can make all the difference to your game, and the Close House team has bags of experience at all levels, from beginner to pro.

You can also benefit from the latest technology in golf swing analysis, including the GASP Lab video system and Forceplates, and the SAM Puttlab.

JONATHAN LUPTON Head PGA professional Jonathan Lupton has represented England, and GB & Ireland as an amateur and played at the highest level within the PGA. Continuing to develop his own expertise by working alongside some of the best-known coaches in the UK, Jonathan has developed his own methods and theory of coaching, suited to every game, from beginner to pro.

SALLY HINTON PGA teaching professional Sally Hinton prides herself on treating everyone as an individual, avoiding the ‘one-swing-for-all’ approach.

She is also part of the team of professionals which supports elite junior development throughout Northumberland.

TIM COCKILL Mizuno Performance Fitting Centre

PGA professional Tim Cockill specialises in custom fitting and group tuition. An expert in beginners’ tuition, Tim delivers the Get into Golf initiative at the Academy. He is also a custom fit technician trained by Ping, Callaway, TaylorMade, VEGA and Titleist.

Tuition at Close House is delivered at the Academy and on the Lee Westwood Colt, Filly and Yearling courses.

Individual and group sessions are available.

To book a custom fit session or tuition tel 01661 85 22 55 or go to www.closehouse.com www.closehouse.com 25

TOP SCHOLAR We catch up with Lee Westwood scholarship winner Niamh Lendrum

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f you ever want to find one of Close House’s most talented young members there’s one place to look…the Academy.

It’s no surprise that this is where we find Niamh Lendrum, a recipient of a Lee Westwood scholarship in 2014 and now benefiting from the hundreds of hours of practice and tuition she has received as a result.

“I’ve improved a lot since I started practising here and playing the Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly courses,” says Niamh as we chat in the café at the Academy following a coaching session with PGA professional Sally Hinton.

“The world-class facilities and courses have helped me to remain enthusiastic about practising.

It can sometimes get a bit boring playing the same holes and hitting the same shots, particularly when you practise as much as I do, but I’ve never had that feeling here.

“I’ve always practised a lot and the facilities at Close House, in particular the short game practice area, have given me the chance to work on the parts of the game that are really important.

“My dad used to take me to the driving range and I’ve been hooked ever since. I really got into it when I was 11 and I’ve always loved improving and working on my game.”

26 www.closehouse.com

No wonder then, having practised 15-20 hours each week throughout the year, that the 15-year-old’s handicap has fallen from 13 to eight in the last 12 months and she has continued to excel in the Northumberland county coaching programme.

“I won the under-18 strokeplay championship at Ponteland last summer and played in some national events for the first time. I really enjoyed the experience and I’m looking forward to going back to those events this summer,” she says.

PGA professional Sally Hinton, who has been working with Niamh over the last 12 months, is looking forward to seeing Niamh develop further following her year in the scholarship programme.

“Niamh was chosen for the scholarship because she showed a lot of potential,” she says.

“We’ve worked hard on her short game and it’s been fantastic to see her putting in so much extra work.

“I have no doubt she’ll continue to improve and progress through the ranks if she continues to show the same level of dedication. It’ll be really exciting to see how she progresses.”

Niamh is hoping to progress through to the professional ranks, following in the footsteps of Close House attached professional Chris Paisley by studying in the US. “I’d love to go and study in the US and play golf. It’s really important to have a career path in mind too. I want to play on tour one day, but going to university gives me the option to have a career outside of golf as well,” she says.

As for right now, Niamh is enjoying spending time at Close House. “Everyone here is really welcoming and it’s nice to be able to come and spend time here and feel so welcome and part of the club. I’ve played at a few different clubs and this is certainly the most welcoming club I’ve been to.” And with that, it’s back to the driving range for some more practice.

CLOSE HOUSE | Junior star

“Everyone here is really

welcoming. It’s so nice to be able to come and spend time here and feel so welcome and part of the club”

www.closehouse.com 27

CLOSE HOUSE | PGA EuroPro Tour

WHAT THEY SAY… BARRY HEARN EuroPro Tour chairman

“I’m thrilled that Close House will host the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour. It’s remarkable to think this place is already staging major events on the European Senior and EuroPro tours. Our best players are going to thrive under the challenge.”

GRAHAM WYLIE Close House owner

EUROPRO TOUR Some of the best young players in the UK and Europe tee off in a major competition at Close House in 2015

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lose House welcomes the best young players from the UK and Europe this summer as the HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour makes its first visit to the Lee Westwood Colt Course.

The event, which takes place August 1921, will see young professionals take on the Lee Westwood Colt Course over three rounds.

They will compete for a £10,000 winner’s cheque as they look to secure a top-five finish in the season-long order of merit and a

Challenge Tour card for the 2016 season.

Some of the leading young international players expected at the event, including Close House’s Andrew Scrimshaw.

The HotelPlanner.com PGA EuroPro Tour is Europe’s leading development tour, and the European Tour’s satellite in the UK and Ireland.

The Tour offers direct access to the Challenge Tour, and in 2015 players will compete for more than £800,000 in prize money.

This event is free to spectators. For more information, including how you can join the players on August 18 for the pre-tournament pro am, tel 01661 85 22 55 or go to www.closehouse.com 28 www.closehouse.com

“We hope events here this summer will inspire the next Lee Westwood to take his or her first steps in the game, and we now have everything in place to start them on that path and continue on it.”

LEE WESTWOOD Close House attached pro

“This is sure to be another great event at Close House.

There is no single route into the professional ranks, and the guys playing the back nine on the final day will certainly feel under pressure - as all pros do!”

CLOSE HOUSE magazine | Advertorial

(Left to Right) Claire Kerr, Andrew Elliot, Vinay Bedi, Jonathan Brown, David Scordino, Aidan Dunstan, Richard Moller

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS… “The decision to become one of the founder members at Close House was fairly straightforward. Not only did we have a number of keen golfers in the office Jonathan, Claire, Richard and myself but we were really impressed with the overall quality of the facility and the personnel” said Aidan Dunstan, Head of the UBS Wealth Management office in Newcastle.

That was 3 years ago and Aidan is now able to look back and confirm what an astute decision that turned out to be.

“Not only did it encourage us to play, whilst avidly utilising Jonathan Lupton’s great coaching skills as well, but the office has since recruited a number of personnel, including Andrew Elliot, Vinay Bedi and David Scordino, which has coincidentally enhanced the golf playing quotient in the office”. Aidan ruefully reflects that having recruited these three highly regarded and experienced investment managers, the actual overall quality of the golf being played has not necessarily improved, although the usage of Close House has!

Vinay Bedi, for one, has found the ability to use the facilities at Close House to be a huge asset, for both looking after his existing clients and entertaining prospective clients. “I have never previously had the opportunity to spend significant time with clients and potential clients in a golfing environment like

this” says Vinay. “Close House offers not just quality facilities but the opportunity to focus on your guests for a day, allowing you to talk with them about their financial concerns and needs whilst ensuring that they have a golfing and dining experience that is of the highest standard.”

“Looking back on our sponsorship, it has been one of the best decisions we made to focus on Close House as a facilitator between UBS, its clients and also prospective clients” reflected Jonathan Brown, Head of the Regional UK Business.

He went on to add that “the sponsorship is also being used by other UBS Regional Offices who like to invite clients to Close House, both for the golfing challenges that it presents and also the treat that it offers their clients.”

UBS’s focus is on exceptional quality – of its personnel, its investment offering, its advice to clients, its relationships. This is also very much reflected in its highly selective choice of golfing sponsorship partner and the two would appear to be perfectly matched. * *For information purposes only. This feature does not reflect a UBS offer or solicitation of an offer to make any investment.

Vinay Bedi, Executive Director, UBS Wealth Management.

Tel: 0191-211-1015.

Email: vinay.bedi@ubs.com www.ubs.com/uk

UBS Wealth Management, 2, St. James’s Gate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7JH www.closehouse.com 29

PERFECT PARTNER Two years after lending his name to it, Lee Westwood offers his tips for playing the Filly Course

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he Lee Westwood Filly Course is the perfect compliment to the Lee Westwood Colt Course at Close House. Another feather in the Close House cap, I think players of every level can appreciate its design and quality.

The greatest addition to the Filly, following its redesign in 2013 by Scott Macpherson, has been the element of strategy required from the tee. Where there were once a number of opportunities to pull the driver out and overpower the course, there is now a tough choice between laying up into the widest part of the fairway or taking on the trouble and giving yourself a better chance to make birdie.

30 www.closehouse.com

The Filly has also been designed in two loops of nine which return to the No.19 clubhouse. This makes it the perfect course for those playing in the evening or with young children.

A geat contrast to the tough test presented by the championship Colt course, the Filly offers something for every player, from the bigger hitter who has to think twice about taking out the driver to the beginner who will benefit from the slightly wider fairways and flatter greens.

It is always a pleasure to play the Filly and I hope you agree that it enhances the overall Close House experience.

CLOSE HOUSE | The Lee Westwood Filly

LEE WESTWOOD’S FILLY HIGHLIGHTS HOLE 1, 388 YARDS, PAR FOUR A short par four and a great opportunity to start your round well. Play short of the left-hand bunker or commit to driving over the right-hand trap. It’s a strategic test, which gives you an idea of what to expect from the rest of the course.

HOLE 5, 382 YARDS, PAR FOUR The fairway here is generous, unless you choose the driver.

For those that do, the landing area is narrow between the bunkers and I only recommend this route if you’re feeling confident early in your round. The water hazard at the front of the hole means that accuracy with your approach shot is essential. The fifth certainly deserves its stroke index one billing.

HOLE 7, 317 YARDS, PAR FOUR A short par four, the ideal tee shot is onto the plateau 210 yards from the tee. The green is two-tiered, making distance control essential to leaving yourself with a good birdie chance.

HOLE 14, 423 YARDS, PAR FOUR A demanding par four which is generally played into the prevailing wind, driver is often required here to find the green in two. Avoid the deep fairway bunker to the right and you have a good chance of finding the generous green.

“The greatest addition to the Filly

has been the element of strategy required from the tee”

HOLE 18, 363 YARDS, PAR FOUR The cross bunkers mean you are faced with a choice on the tee, either lay-up short with a fairway wood or take the driver out and go over them. The ditch short of the green will catch poorly struck bunker shots and the greenside bunkers make this hole a potential score spoiler. A fitting last hole, and perfectly placed beside No.19. www.closehouse.com 31

Satisfy your Interior Desire

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Furniture

Flooring

Beds

Wallpaper

Blinds

Carpets

Curtains

Paint

With over 137 years of experience in the interiors industry, we have a wealth of knowledge of furniture, flooring and soft furnishings which remains unrivalled in the North East and North West. With the best quality brands, excellent customer service and unparalleled variety of products, Dickinsons is your local one-stop interiors showroom.

We have luxury furniture brands such as Duresta, Himolla and V ispring, designer fabrics & wallpapers from Osborne & Little, Designers Guild, Harlequin and Sanderson, stunning paint from Little Greene and Farrow & Ball and stylish flooring from Amtico and Crucial Trading.

PLUS we’ve blinds (standard & electric), curtain poles, full house carpet deals, bedroom, dining and living room furniture, accessories and much more.

We offer one-hour free in-store design consultations with our specialist interior designers and free at-home measures to help you create your desired look, plus a white glove delivery and installation service to finish your scheme perfectly.

Plus, we now offer a fantastic interest free credit option with only 10% deposit!

For more information on any of our products or to book your free one-hour in store consultation, please call into your local showroom today!

Carlisle Victoria Viaduct. Tel: 01228 524231 Hexham 1-3 Beaumont St. Tel: 01434 602617 Alnwick 39-41 Fenkle St. Tel: 01665 602040

Satisfy your Interior DesireÂŽ

www.dickinsonsfurnishers.com

34 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Fashion

RAISE YOUR GAME The amazing new interior of No.19 at Close House and lifestyle brand J. Lindeberg - it’s an earth-shattering combination

J. Lindeberg is that rare thing - a lifestyle brand which combines sporting function and fashion form with effortless cool, which means it’s a perfect partner for life at Close House.

The J. Lindeberg collection for men and women is available from the Close House Shop, alongside the Spring/Summer 2015 collection from Glenmuir, as well as leading golf and lifestyle brands which will take you from course to clubhouse effortlessly and in style.

Liam wears: Trousers £87.95, polo shirt £67.95, belt £54.95 and cap £24.95, all J Lindeberg Adidas Air Power shoes £64.95 Close House leather golf glove £14.95 Faye wears: Trousers £59.95, polo shirt £29.95, both Glenmuir Callaway Dawn Patrol glove £11.95 Adidas Adizero shoes £79.95 www.closehouse.com 35

Golf clubs: A selection from the Academy at Close House Car: BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport £57,599 available at Lloyd BMW tel 0191 2617 366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk 36 www.closehouse.com

Liam wears: blazer £315, trousers £110, shirt £90, belt £70 and silk pocket square £30, all J Lindeberg Faye wears: dress £135, J Lindeberg, shoes model’s own

CLOSE HOUSE | Fashion

A STYLISH COMBINATION OF FUNCTION AND FASHION Faye wears (below): Dress £90 by J Lindeberg

Faye wears (right): Skort £54.95 and polo shirt £34.95, both Rohnisch visor Gogie Girl £13.95 Close House umbrella £24.95 www.closehouse.com 37

Liam wears: Cap £29.95, sunglasses by Oakley from a selection in the Close House shop, trousers £87.95, polo £67.95, Adidas Airpower shoes £64.95, club Callaway Razr, available at the Academy at Close House

Models Faye Scope and Liam Collins - Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Clothes J Lindeberg, available in the Shop at Close House www.jlindeberg.com Photography Kevin Gibson www.kgphotography.co.uk

38 www.closehouse.com

We’ll spend time on your money whilst you spend time on the course

Brewin Dolphin is one of the UK’s leading providers of wealth management expertise, with 28 offices throughout the UK, Eire and the Channel Islands. With a large team in Newcastle, our investment management and financial planning specialists are committed to help your money work harder, so you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life. Like a round of golf with good friends.

Why not give us a call to see if we can help you?

Please contact John Duns on 0191 279 7415 or email john.duns@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk

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).

GOLF DAYS Whether you’re entertaining business clients, raising money for charity, or treating friends to a great day out, a golf day at Close House is guaranteed to be a memorable experience

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golf day is filled with opportunities, whether they lie in business, charity, or friendship, and Close House offers a spectacular backdrop, world-class facilities and superb attention to detail to ensure your event is one to remember.

The expert events team at Close House works with you at every stage to ensure the golf, food and facilities are perfectly suited to your event.

Plus, you can be secure in the knowledge that this same team plays a key role in big headline events, including the annual Have a Heart charity golf day, the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship, and corporate days for major partners, which means they are among the best in the business. They

40 www.closehouse.com

devote equal enthusiasm and attention to detail to the task in hand, whether it’s a golf day for 12 society players or a celebrity event for 150-plus.

Golf days often bring together experienced golfers and enthusiastic beginners, so the Close House team will tailor your event to suit all abilities, including 1:1 and group tuition, use of the superb Academy at Close House, and the choice of playing the Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly courses with varying degrees of difficulty.

For corporate and charity days, branding on the course, golf products and gifts can make your day especially memorable and the Close House team will guide you to ensure you get these essential elements right.

And because it’s only 15 minutes’ drive from Newcastle International Airport and Newcastle city centre, Close House is within easy reach of locals and visitors to the region alike.

To find out more about holding a personal, society, charity or corporate golf day at Close House contact the events team, tel 01661 85 22 55, email events@closehouse.co.uk

CLOSE HOUSE | Golf days

HIGH SEASON APRIL 1 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 Package price available from 12 players

LEE WESTWOOD FILLY COURSE CORPORATE PACKAGE 1 18 holes on the Lee Westwood Filly Course Longest drive Nearest the pin Warm-up basket of balls Tea/coffee and bacon rolls on arrival Two-course lunch or dinner in No.19 From £65 per person

LEE WESTWOOD FILLY COURSE CORPORATE PACKAGE 2 18 holes on the Lee Westwood Filly Course Longest drive (including prize) Nearest the pin (including prize) Warm-up basket of balls Welcome pack including tees, ball marker, pitch fork and course planner Full English breakfast on arrival Two-course lunch or dinner in No.19 From £78.50 per person

“Our fourth annual Foundation golf

tournament took place at Close House in 2014. I can’t thank the team at Close House enough for their help and support over the last four years and I’m looking forward to this year’s event”

LEE WESTWOOD FILLY COURSE CORPORATE PACKAGE 3 18 holes on the Lee Westwood Filly Course Scorecard marking for presentation Longest drive (including prize) Nearest the pin (including prize) Warm-up basket of balls Welcome pack including tees, ball marker, pitch fork and course planner Full English breakfast on arrival Three-course dinner in No.19 From £82.50 per person

ALAN SHEARER www.closehouse.com 41

THE PERKS

Enjoy the Close House experience in the Lake District and Mediterranean CLOSE HOUSE IN MALLORCA

All that’s great about Close House in the sun The Close House in Mallorca villa sits beneath a stunning mountain backdrop above the village of Fornalutx, offering the luxury you would expect from Close House accomodation, as well as year-round sunshine.

Port de Soller and its beaches, restaurants and bars is just 10 minutes away. There are also a number of golf courses within a one-hour drive and golf course booking and chauffeur services can be provided.

Accommodation: Four double/twin bedrooms, three bathrooms, air conditioning, large living/ dining area, kitchen, Wi-Fi, infinity pool, terrace and alfresco dining area.

CLOSE HOUSE IN THE LAKES Escape to the country Offering views of Loughrigg and Wansfell, Close House in the Lakes is the perfect spot for walking, boutique shopping, lake cruising and water sports. Situated in Ambleside, acclaimed Lake District restaurants and cosy traditional pubs are within easy walking distance.

Accommodation: Four en-suite bedrooms with super king-size beds, three reception rooms including conservatory, underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, patio gardens with furniture and barbecue and private parking for up to four cars.

PRICES Close House in Mallorca From £1,750-£3,500 per week, based on eight sharing Close House in the Lakes From £995-£2,495 per week, based on eight sharing

For more information or to book, tel 01661 85 22 55 or visit www.closehouse.com 42 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Added benefits

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PLAY AROUND THE WORLD Close House members enjoy discounted green fees at some of the world’s best courses 1 WOBURN GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

3 DUBAI CREEK GOLF AND YACHT CLUB, DUBAI

Home to three of Britain and Ireland’s Top 100 courses, Woburn sits at the heart of the Duke of Bedford’s Estate in Milton Keynes and has been home to Ian Poulter since 2003. www.woburngolf.co.uk

Host of two Dubai Desert Classics on the European Tour. www.dubaigolf.com

2 LOUGH ERNE RESORT, NORTHERN IRELAND Set on a spectacular 600-acre peninsula, the five-star Lough Erne Resort boasts two championship courses and is home to fourtime major champion Rory McIlroy. www.lougherneresort.com

4 EMIRATES GC, DUBAI The Faldo course is the only 18-hole course in the region to offer night golf. www.dubaigolf.com/emirates-golf-club

5 PGA CATALUNYA RESORT, GIRONA, SPAIN Voted the best course in Spain, the Stadium course is a regular European Tour stop. www.pgacatalunya.com

SPEEDFLEX If you’re looking for the extra edge on the golf course or a new way to keep fit, the innovative Speedflex fitness system offers a perfect balance between cardio and resistance training and has proved a big hit with golfers since it launched in Newcastle in 2012.

Used by Close House attached professional Lee Westwood and Alan Shearer (pictured), Speedflex studies show that amateur golfers across a range of ages and handicaps can add an average 20 yards to their drives and reduce their body fat by 10% by undertaking two Speedflex sessions per week for eight weeks. www.speedflex.com

www.closehouse.com 43

IN THE BEST POSSIBLE TASTE...

No.19 at Close House is one of the most luxurious clubhouses in the country - the perfect place to relax

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he world’s best golf courses have superb 19th holes, and Close House is no exception. Here, the No.19 clubhouse is every bit as impressive as the championship Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly golf courses, and it is open to golf members, their guests, and the public.

The No.19 bar and adjoining Westwood Suite underwent a major refurbishment in early 2015, bringing with it a clean sweep of neutral tones which beautifully reflect the light which streams in through the floor-to-ceiling windows which overlook the golf courses.

This is the perfect place to unwind, whether you’ve just played a round of golf, reached the end of a busy week in the office, or you’re enjoying a relaxed dinner with family and friends.

Drop by for morning coffee and cake and you’ll find a buzzing atmosphere and friendly, attentive service. Pop in for afternoon tea and you’ll find golfers relaxing after their rounds, and friends gathering for a catch-up.

Head chef Craig Harvey and his team

have superb seasonal and local produce in abundance, including fresh ingredients grown and raised on the Close House estate.

The No.19 menu changes with the seasons and the availability of local produce and includes locally shot game, fish caught in the Tyne and berries foraged from the Close House estate.

And whether you’ve popped in for breakfast in the bar or you’re here for a sumptuous dinner in the plush Westwood Suite, you can be sure that the kitchen team has created it with flair.

Plus every guest, member or not, enjoys the fantastic service afforded to Close House members as they relax in the bar, the Westwood Suite, or on the huge outdoor terrace soaking up No.19’s breakthtaking country views.

The Westwood Suite, which can accommodate parties of up to 140, is also open for private hire and events, and both the suite and the bar are both open all day and evening for members and visitors. Relax, and enjoy the view…

To book a table in No.19 tel 01661 85 22 55 44 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | No.19

Confit shoulder of lamb with barley arancini

www.closehouse.com 45

CLOSE HOUSE | No.19

1

MEET THE CHEF Head chef Craig Harvey, 34, is still the new kid at Close House, having joined the team last year after honing his trade in Paris and London, including at Claridge’s under Gordon Ramsay.

“I want a fresh start for the food at Close House,” he says. “I’ve brought in new staff who share my passion, and we’re expanding the menu to feature more seasonal produce.”

Many popular dishes from the bar menu remain, while the evening menu is enjoying a major revamp. “It’s an exciting time to develop new dishes as we look at lighter menus and fresh produce going into the summer,” says Craig. “I have 10 dogs and shoot up to 80 days of the season, so I’m very keen to introduce game, and in addition to game shot within a short drive of Close House we have the best local fish and meat.”

Craig’s passion for the countryside informs his food. “My father was a gamekeeper and I’ve been shooting since the age of seven, so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to combine my two passions in my work here.

Since taking the head chef’s job I’ve spoken at length with our members and their insight and desire to try new things has been inspiring. It’s important to listen to people, learn what they like and what they want to see on the menu.”

“My main goal is to produce

food which lives up to the standard of the golf courses”

#1 Freshly baked bread #2 Sea bass wirh gnocchi and sea vegetables and a wild garlic emulsion #3 Triple chocolate torte with rasberries from Close House 46 www.closehouse.com

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CLOSE HOUSE | Attached professionals

Andrew Scrimshaw

I Chris Paisley

TOUR DIARIES

We catch up with Close House attached pros Chris Paisley and Andrew Scrimshaw

I

t’s fantastic to be back playing on the European Tour. After getting a taste of it two years ago, being back on the Challenge Tour last season was no fun; the main tour is where we all want to be. I struggled with my game for a lot of the year but turned it around at the end and had a great performance at European Tour School to get my card back.

So far, 2015 has been solid. I have made the cut every week bar one and have had some periods of really good form. I’m just looking to get a run of events where I can build on that and turn it into really good finishes - those opportunities will come in the next few months.

I feel like a much better player than two years ago. I have put on 5kg of muscle so I am much stronger. I am hitting it further and my body is able to handle the stresses of tour life much better. I think the most important

improvement has been experience. I had a poor season last year but I learned a lot about what kind of mindset I need to be in on and off the course.

On the course it is going to be exciting. I have the opportunity to compete in some great tournaments against the top players in Europe.

Off the course is also exciting. My wife and I are getting our own place, finally! She is from America so we have spent a lot of time apart.

It’s time for us to be together so she is going to travel with me for most of the year.

I cannot thank Close House enough for supporting me over the past four years.

When I’m on the road it’s so reassuring to know I have a great club and group of people supporting me. They have stuck with me through a few tough periods so I am extremely grateful for that. It would be great to one day be competing against Lee Westwood coming down the stretch of a tournament!

have started my year well, playing some of the early overseas events on the Alps Tour in Egypt, as well as spending some time practising in Dubai.

The events were a big learning curve; the courses were very different and it was tough, but the trip was well timed and it has given me some competitive golf before my season really gets underway with PGA and EuroPro Tour events in the UK. Having spent a lot of last year finishing off my PGA qualification, this year I’ll be concentrating on playing as much as possible across the Alps, EuroPro and PGA circuits.

The EuroPro event here at Close House will be the highlight for me; playing my home course will be a great opportunity to get a good result. This year I will have a chance to play as much as possible and build towards a run at European Tour School at the end of the year.

The support from a number of members here at Close House gives me the opportunity to try and make my way to the European Tour – without it I wouldn’t be able to.

I’ve been here for four years and it’s great that the club continues to invest and develop the facility - there’s nowhere like it in the North East. www.closehouse.com 49

YEARLING COURSE LAUNCH The Yearling par-three course, the latest addition to the Close House Academy and the Lee Westwood Colt and Filly courses, was officially opened at Close House on April 8, 2015

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he official launch of the much-anticipated Yearling par-three course at Close House saw more than 100 enthusiastic members take on the course, which features holes measuring between 35-70 yards and small, well protected greens which test every part of the short game.

The opening, which saw members competing for the Lee Westwood gold putter, coincided with the most famous parthree tournament in the world - the pre-Masters contest at Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA - where Close House owner Graham Wylie was caddying for tour pro Lee Westwood. Graham says: “The addition of the Yearling Course is a real asset to us at Close House, and will be an environment in which those new to the game can learn the rules and etiquette of golf. It presents an enjoyable way for juniors to experience every element of the game, while more accomplished players will find it a great way to fine tune their wedge game.”

The par-27 course is open to members, guests and residents. Club captain Nigel Brown says: “Playing the course for the first time was a great experience and seeing so many members there on the day was fantastic. The course was beautifully presented and has been designed to test players as well as offer shorter holes for juniors to get to grips with. Anyone who plays it under-par is doing very well.”

For more information go to www.closehouse.com 50 www.closehouse.com

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CLOSE HOUSE | The Yearling

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9 #1 John Fletcher, Fred Liddle and Tim Gatenby #2 The Heineken team #3 Marion Lowdon, Jim Lowdon & Cath Jenkins #4 Craig Wright & Doug Spence #5 The Cellular Solutions & ITPS team #6 Ryan Taylor, Freddy Woodman & John Harris #7 Chris Vallely, Michael Dickenson and Andi McBride #8 Derek Parmley, Philip Roger, Allan Livingstone & Rory O’Connor #9 Nigel Brown, Claire Brown, Rachael Tilley & Jason Brown www.closehouse.com 51

CLOSE HOUSE | The Masters 2015

THE MASTERS Close House members joined owner Graham Wylie, managing director John Glendinning and course manager Brian Clark as they crossed the Atlantic for the year’s first major at Augusta National 1

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#1 #2 #4 & #8 Graham Wylie and Lee Westwood during the par three tournament #3 Steve Welton & Ian Watson #5 John Glendinning, Semore Kurdi, Steve Welton, Phil Harrison, Brian Clark, Brian Trench, Alan Beenshill #6 Dave Armstrong, Alan Shearer, Brian Clark, Semore Kurdi and Alan Beenshill #7 John Glendinning and Brian Clark 52 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Green fees

BEFORE HEADING TO THE FIRST TEE, COLLECT YOUR PIN SHEET, SCORECARD AND LAST-MINUTE ADVICE FROM THE GOLF SERVICES TEAM - THEY HAVE A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE AND A QUICK CHAT COULD SAVE YOU A SHOT OR TWO

GREEN FEES 2015 Lee Westwood Colt Course Adult visitor £110 Junior visitor £75

BE OUR GUEST

A true ‘member for a day’ experience

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very guest at Close House can expect the same high level of service the club’s members receive on a daily basis. From access to the Academy at Close House to complimentary shoe and club cleaning services, visitors are always made more than welcome at Close House.

Guests are also more than welcome at No.19 before and after their round, whether for breakfast before your game, or a well-earned drink when you’ve tackled the Lee Westwood Colt or Lee Westwood Filly course.

Golf resident Member’s guest

£75 £35

Lee Westwood Filly Course Adult visitor £50 Junior visitor £37.50 Golf resident Member’s guest

£37.50 £25

The following must be booked in advance Caddies* £40 (excluding optional tip) Buggy rental £35 per round Electric trolley rental £10 per round Push/pull trolley rental £5 per round Hire set of clubs £30 per round (mens & ladies clubs available) For all enquiries and bookings tel 01661 85 22 55 email enquiries@closehouse.co.uk *Must be booked 48 hours in advance www.closehouse.com 53

A GOLFING LEGACY Father and son Alan and Ruaidhri Fletcher are both honing their game on the courses and at the Academy at Close House

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e all follow different routes into golf. Some take it up through work, others through friends. For Ruaidhri Fletcher, it was his father who introduced him to the game.

“My dad and I have played together for a few years now and my grandparents are big golfers,” he says. “When dad brought me to Close House last summer I knew I wanted to start playing more and spend more time here.”

Ruaidhri’s dad Alan, a managing partner at Square One Law in Newcastle, took up the game much later than his 17-year-old son. “I didn’t play any golf until my 30s and there are times when I watch Ruaidhri hitting the ball that I wish I’d played in my teens,” he says.

“One of the biggest barriers to us playing together in the past has been access to golf courses at weekends. Many clubs restrict access to the course at the weekend for competitions, but Close House is different. We’ve never come down and not been able to get a game.”

The flexibility is certainly benefiting father and son’s golf. “It’s a fabulous game that you can play together at different ages and different abilities,”

54 www.closehouse.com

says Alan. “Ruaidhri’s improved so much in the last 12 months, but he keeps telling me he’s a 21 handicapper,” Alan says as Ruaidhri grins broadly.

“His grandfather keeps taking shots off him and I need to get some more when I play him.”

Ruaidhri’s brother and sister, Callum, 11, and Cara, 14, have also picked up the game since their father joined Close House. “They’re both having lessons at the Academy and they’re mad keen to try out the Yearling Course,” says Alan.

“They both got clubs for Christmas and after just one lesson their bunker play is better than mine.”

Ruaidhri also plays golf with his school friends here. “We’re treated the same as everyone else and it’s great to feel like we can come here without our parents and play golf and use the clubhouse and Academy,” he says.

Alan and Ruaidhri will be at Close House to see the PGA Seniors Championship in June and both are looking forward to the event. “A lot of my friends have already said they’ll be coming down too,” says Ruaidhri. “It’ll be interesting to see how the professionals play the Colt course - how different it is for them compared to us.”

For Alan, the tournament is an opportunity to see some greats of the game in action. “It’ll be great to see some of the guys I grew up watching,” he says. “It’s always great to see a pro hit the ball and play the course at its absolute toughest. We can’t wait.”

CLOSE HOUSE | Member interview

“It’s a fabulous game

which you can play together at different ages and different abilities” www.closehouse.com 55

STAY… AND PLAY LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AND TWO GOLF COURSES ENDORSED BY LEE WESTWOOD. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED?

H

aving spent a day on the Lee Westwood Colt or the Lee Westwood Filly at Close House, followed by a relaxing dinner and drinks in the No.19 clubhouse, you’ll be more than ready to rest your head for the night in a luxurious suite-style room in the Courtyard at Close House.

Considering that it is home to one of the UK & Ireland’s Top 100 golf courses and one of the most

56 www.closehouse.com

luxurioius clubhouses in the country, it’s no surprise that Close House also boasts the highest standard of accommodation for the discerning visitors who come here to stay and play.

The beautiful Courtyard and Terrace rooms are each named after one of the great golf architect Harry Colt’s courses including Sunningdale, Muirfield, Royal Portrush, and Wentworth. There are 16 Courtyard suite-style rooms and a further four

CLOSE HOUSE | Accommodation

Minutes from the city, yet in the heart of the Northumberland countryside

Terrace rooms and you are welcome to book all of them for your exclusive use.

Should you feel the need to have a break from the golf courses, Close House lies in spectacular countryside just eight miles from Newcastle Central Station and Newcastle International Airport, superbly placed to explore Northumberland and Newcastle.

There are special rates available for golf breaks.

To book, tel 01661 85 22 55 or email enquiries@closehouse.com www.closehouse.com 57

CLOSE HOUSE STYLE Look good on and off the course #2 #1 #3

#5

#4 #6

#7

#1 Close House-branded Titleist ProV1 balls £24.95 #2 Close House-branded TaylorMade golf glove £17.95 #3 Close House belt £64.95 #4 Close House gift box set £39.95 #5 Close House-branded Galvin Green Al Gore-Tex jacket £179.95 #6 Close House Vega golf club £179.95 #7 Close House pitch mark repairer £3 #8 Close House umbrella £24.95 58 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Shop

#9 #8

#10

#12 #11

#13

#15 #14

#16

#17

#9 Close House score medallion ball marker £8.95 #10 Close House tri-fold towel £9.95 #11 Close House valuables bag £29.95 #12 Close House jumper £69.95 #13 Close House fairway wood covers £28.95 #14 Close House-branded Ping cap £14.95 #15 Ladies woolly hat £12.95 #16 Close House-branded Thinsulate woolly hat £10.95 #17 Close House leather holdall £349.95 www.closehouse.com 59

CLOSE HOUSE | Member interview

FIRST IMPRESSIONS Gary Fawcett shares his first experience of Close House

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very golfer remembers their first golf lesson, and their first shot on a ‘proper’ golf course.

For many of us those moments are distant memories, for Gary Fawcett some are still to come. “This is the first time I’ve been to No.19,” Gary says as we point him in the direction of the locker room. “I’ve been to the Academy, had a few lessons with Tim Cockill and I’ve been practising ahead of my first trip out onto the course.”

A chartered wealth manager, Gary had his choice of golf clubs near his Newcastle office, but one name kept coming up. “My clients and colleagues at Brewin Dolphin were raving about Close House as soon as I mentioned I was looking at picking up the game,” he says. “When the company joined as a corporate partner, I knew there was no turning back.

“The networking opportunities are very important and I’ll be playing a lot of golf through work this summer. Being able to come here with my family is also key. My eldest, Elliot, seven, has already been along to the Academy and is keen to try out the Yearling Course. I’m sure Aidan, three, and Abigail, two, will like it when they’re older. I’d love to play golf with them here and then have something to eat in No.19 as a family.”

Gary has jumped in with both feet and will be taking part in one of Close House’s biggest events in May. “I’ve entered the Have a Heart trophy in May and I’ve blocked out time every week for a month ahead of it to prepare. I just hope it’s enough!”

Gary has already relaxed into the Close House experience. “Everyone you meet here makes you feel welcome and instantly puts you at ease. I know I’ll be spending more and more time here – on and off the golf course.”

And with that, it’s off to the Academy for more practice. The clock is ticking!

60 www.closehouse.com

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please speak with a member of the golf team, call 01661 85 22 55 or email enquiries@closehouse.co.uk for further information.

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1

HAVE A HEART TROPHY 2015 With more than £232,000 raised in 2014 for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the Freeman Hospital, the annual Have a Heart Celebrity Trophy is back at Close House’s Lee Westwood Colt and Lee Westwood Filly courses on May 18, 2015 with 56 teams playing over both courses Close House attached professional Lee Westwood will head a field of more than 50 celebrities for the 2015 Have a Heart Trophy, including CHUF Patrons Ant and Dec, and Alan Shearer.

Also confirmed for the event are television presenters Jeremy Kyle, and Dan Walker, who will be joined by sporting stars including champion jockey AP McCoy, and former NUFC star Les Ferdinand. Activities on every hole also return this year.

A gala dinner at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, which includes the prize presentations with Lee Westwood and CHUF Patron Graham Wylie, will follow the event.

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To book or for more information go to www.closehouse.com 62 www.closehouse.com

CLOSE HOUSE | Have a Heart

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#1 Alan Shearer #2 Lee Westwood #3 Lee Westwood and Jeremy Kyle #4 Geoff Thompson #5 Dan Walker, nearest the pin at the million dollar challenge on the ninth hole of the Lee Westwood Colt Course #6 Anton Du Beke and Jonathon Lupton #7 Ant & Dec #8 Brian Lara #9 Clare Balding www.closehouse.com 63

EVENTS CALENDAR

There are big events on and off the golf courses at Close House in 2015. Here’s our pick of the highlights go to www.closehouse.com for more information JUN M AY

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18

64 www.closehouse.com

SATURDAY APRIL 25

SATURDAY MAY 23

Lloyd BMW Trophy

Diamond Classic

SATURDAY MAY 2

SATURDAY MAY 30

TSG Trophy

KPMG Trophy

TUESDAY MAY 12

TUESDAY JUNE 2

Associate Partner Day

Corporate Partner Day

SATURDAY MAY 16

JUNE 1 1-14

Shepherd Offshore Trophy

ISPS HANDA PGA Seniors Championship

MONDAY MAY 18

JUNE 15 & 16

Have a Heart Celebrity Trophy

PGA North Region Pro-Am

CLOSE HOUSE | Events

O CT

14

JUL

04

SEP

29

AUG

19

SATURDAY JUNE 27

AUGUST 19-21

J&J Trophy

PGA EuroPro Tour

SATURDAY JULY 4

FRIDAY AUGUST 28

Collingwood Trophy

Alan Shearer Trophy

JULY 1 1 & 12

SEPTEMBER 19 & 20

Club Championships

Close House Classic Autumn Invitational

SATURDAY AUGUST 1

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 29

Tiger Trophy

Founder’s Day

SATURDAY AUGUST 1

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 14

Captain’s Day

Lee Westwood Golf Day www.closehouse.com 65

CLOSE HOUSE | On the course with...

Favourite hole on the Lee Westwood Filly?

The 8th on the Filly looks down over the whole course and when we’re playing for fun we always get the drivers out and have a go at the green.

Favourite meal at No.19? Gammon steak with a fried egg and proper chips - every time!

Best score on the Lee Westwood Colt?

15 over. I was really proud of that, considering how little I play and how tough the Colt is.

How much golf do you play? Not nearly as often as I’d like! I’d like to play twice a week, but it’s more like two-three times a month.

You most stressful golf game to date? Every pro am has been terrifying. The pressure of having a professional golfer and a crowd there when you’re out of your comfort zone is unbelievable.

Who would be in your dream fourball? I’d love to play with Rory McIlroy and two of my favourite actors - Will Smith and Will Ferrell. We’d have a great laugh.

CLOSE HOUSE MEMBER…

GRAHAM ONIONS

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t’s been a great 14 years at Durham CCC for Graham Onions, during which time the club has won three County Championships and Onions has represented England around the world. Now, in his benefit year, the Close House member shares his love of golf with us.

What’s your favourite hole on the Lee Westwood Colt? The 8th - the view from the tee is amazing, looking down over the course and the valley beyond, plus it’s a chance to get the driver out and get the ball out there.

66 www.closehouse.com

Favourite clothing brand? J Lindeberg. I’m not into anything over-the-top; if you’re wearing bright orange trousers you’ve got to hit the ball straight!

Favourite courses to visit? I’ve played Loch Lomond with my old teammate Paul Collingwood, who’s a great golfer and a member there. Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand is amazing, laid out on the cliff tops. It’s spectacular.

Why are you a member of Close House?

I spend a lot of time training, travelling and playing cricket and I think it’s really important to have a place where you can relax away from that.

Everyone here is so friendly and laidback, and that’s really important for a place where people are coming to spend their leisure time.

For more information on Graham Onions’ benefit year, go to www.grahamonionsbenefityear.co.uk

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Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0HT www.closehouse.com