Lee Westwood to host 2017 British Masters at Close House

Lee Westwood to host 2017 British Masters at Close House

Former World Number One Lee Westwood has been announced as the tournament host for the 2017 British Masters and has chosen Close House, in Newcastle upon Tyne, as the venue.

It will be the first time Close House has held a European Tour tournament with the event running from September 28^th to October 1^st.

Westwood has been the Tour Professional at the club since 2011.

The Ryder Cup legend succeeds Luke Donald in the role after last week’s successful event at The Grove where Westwood enjoyed a third place finish.

“I’m delighted to announce that I will be taking over as host of the British Masters from Luke next year,” said Westwood.

“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.

“The British Masters is back on the map and we should try to move it around the country a bit and let as many people as possible see it.

“We’ve not had a tournament up there for a few years now, even north of Birmingham, so it will be great to take the British Masters to Newcastle which has been missing a big tournament.

“The wind can come in to play a lot, as you would expect in the North East. There’s a little bit of water on the golf course as well, which keeps it interesting.
“I’ve got a few tweaks in mind for the golf course, putting a few bunkers in, taking a few out, putting a few tees in and everything is already under way.

“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.”

European Tour’s Chief Executive Keith Pelley said: “We are delighted to have yet another wonderful ambassador, and another former World Number One, take on the role of tournament host and I’m certain Lee Westwood will continue the success of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports since it returned to our schedule two years ago.

“Lee has made a huge contribution to the European Tour over the past 20 years, and we are all really looking forward to working with him and Sky Sports to make next year’s British Masters something special.”