CH
SPRING/SUMMER
2014
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF CLOSE HOUSE
LEE’S ON
COURSE
LEE WESTWOOD
LOOKS AHEAD TO
THE RYDER CUP
INSIDE
THE LEE WESTWOOD COLT, BY THE MAN HIMSELF
PLAYING AWAY: EXCLUSIVE RATES AT THE WORLD’S BEST COURSES
ON AND OFF THE COURSE WITH CLOSE HOUSE MEMEBRS
Your one-stop
interiors shop
Through the winding staircase and Aladdin’s
cave of the Hexham & Alnwick showrooms,
Dickinsons are showcasing the biggest brands in
home furnishings in an eclectic yet homely style.
Featuring a vibrant mix of design led fabrics,
wallpapers, upholstery, flooring, leather, paint,
blinds and everything in-between, Dickinsons
are certainly ahead of the game – and you’ll find
all this under one roof.
Furniture
Flooring
Beds
Wallpaper
Blinds
Carpets
Curtains
Paint
“We make regular visits to trade shows including
Interiors UK and Decorex to gain an insight into
upcoming interiors trends and we take this knowledge
back to our showrooms” explains Tace Traviss,
Commercial Director. “Interiors are our number one
passion – Dickinsons team of advisors are specialists
in their field. Their enthusiasm exudes through their
detailed product knowledge and eagerness to help
clients on a daily basis.”
Whether you’re a first time buyer or wanting to update your existing
home, Dickinsons can provide a one-stop service with expert input from
the interior design team. “Some clients assume working with an interior
designer will be an expensive and complicated process. The truth is, we
can help a client whatever their budget and whether they need help
choosing the colour and style of a single blind or require an experienced
eye to help co-ordinate a complete home refurbishment” says Rachel
McCluskey, Specialist Interior Designer at Hexham.
“Everyone has their own preferred style. We can help
achieve this but can also suggest alternatives which,
perhaps if you’re working alone, would not come to
light.”
“Our team are the reason for our success over the years. Our friendly,
knowledgeable advisors can guide you as much or as little as you like.
The soft furnishings team will assist with fabrics, wallpapers, paint and
blinds and when you need guidance on flooring or furniture, the interior
design team will introduce you to a specialist advisor for in-depth advice
whilst still overseeing the overall look alongside you” explains Tace.
“Plus, with our commitment to buying British, we have brands such as
Parker Knoll, Moon fabrics, Duresta, Hypnos and Sanderson in our
Hexham & Alnwick, showrooms, reinforcing our support for UK
manufacturers who produce quality, stylish home-grown furnishings.”
For a free, one hour in-store design consultation in our Hexham or
Alnwick showrooms, simply call to book an appointment with one of
the interior design team.
Hexham 1-3 Beaumont St. Tel: 01434 602617 Alnwick 39-41 Fenkle St. Tel: 01665 602040
Carlisle Victoria Viaduct. Tel: 01228 524231
Satisfy your Interior Desire®
www.dickinsonsfurnishers.com
WORLD-LEADING
GOLF FACILITIES
IN THE HEART OF
NORTHUMBERLAND,
MINUTES FROM
THE CITY CENTRE...
COME HOME TO
CLOSE HOUSE
INSIDE
12 WESTWOOD’S HOME
Lee’s take on life in Florida and the
home-from-home that is Close House
26 BREAKING IN THE COLT
Westwood’s top tips for the
course which bears his name
34 STAY AND PLAY
The ultimate in golf breaks
53 PLAYING AWAY
Exclusive rates, sought-after places
66 ON THE COURSE WITH...
Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole
Editor - Jane Pikett
[email protected]
Close House - Ian Dinning
[email protected]
Close House enquiries - tel 01661 85 22 55
email [email protected]
Advertising
[email protected]
Photography
Kevin Gibson - www.kgphotography.co.uk
Peter Skelton - www.peterskeltonphotography.co.uk
Critical Tortoise - www.criticaltortoise.com
produced by
publishing
Bearl Farm, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7AJ
tel 01661 844 115 www.offstonepublishing.co.uk
©Offstone Publishing 2014. 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.
www.closehouse.com 7
CLOSE HOUSE | Captain’s Log
CAPTAIN’S
LOG
Close House captain Tim Price
looks ahead to another big year
of events on and off the course
I
t’s a huge honour to be writing this column as the
captain of Close House. I follow in the footsteps of two
captains who did outstanding jobs and it’s a privilege to
follow them. Close House has brought a totally different
dimension to the North East, catering for all classes and
categories of golfer, with an unparalleled social scene, and
state-of-the-art practice and tuition facilities.
But the difference in vision, investment and quality at
Close House compared to other clubs is enormous and the
members are fortunate to be part of this great club.
John Glendinning and his team are excellent and they
make the jobs of the captain and vice captain a pleasant
experience. All the staff are superb - they’re friendliest
hosts you’ll find anywhere.
The men’s golf team came incredibly close to the
Hadrian League title last season. Every team member
played their part and all of them were credits to the club.
This year we hope to realise the team’s potential and win
the league title. We have the talent to do so; only time will
tell. I’d also like to congratulate the junior golf team on
their league-winning season and wish them all the best for
the 2014 season. I would also like to wish the ladies team
every success.
This year I hope to to see Close House continue to
grow and develop, and for people to enjoy their golf, and
the social events, whatever level they play at.
I hope that I and vice captain Nigel Brown can do our
bit to make sure every member and guest at Close House
enjoys being here.
8 www.closehouse.com
DATE
FOR YOUR
DIARY
Captain’s Day 2014
Saturday August 30
For details, contact
the golf team
tel 01661 85 22 55
BACK ON
COURSE
Nigel and Claire Brown’s
married life revolves around golf,
and it took a special club to
renew their love of the game
CLAIRE
We met when we were aged 10 and 11 playing
at an England Schools event in Birmingham. More
than 30 years on, we both work for Ping and we
play together at Close House.
When you think about it, if it wasn’t for golf,
we wouldn’t have met, which is a strange thought
when you’ve been married for 23 years.
Today, golf is as big a part of our lives as it
ever was, but it wasn’t always like that; we did
have a long break from the game a few years ago,
but coming to Close House brought us home.
I’m UK account manager for Ping, which
means I see golf clubs and shops all over the UK
and Ireland, and Close House is among the best.
In the early days of our relationship, Nigel was
a pro and I had two shops selling ladies golf wear,
basically because you couldn’t get it in those days.
I sold the shops so I could play golf full time
and I had two years on the Ladies European Tour,
which was just brilliant, but it was expensive with
all the travel, so I eventually had to stop and get
a proper job.
I was a club pro for years, and then became
a sales rep, at first for Golfino. I didn’t play for
15 years; after all those years as a pro I just
didn’t have the time or the interest. Then we
came to Close House and suddenly came back
to the game.
When we first came we were just struck by
the fact that it isn’t like a golf club. The facilities
10 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Husband and Wife
are second to none, it’s a lovely place to be part of
and we’ve met some lovely friends. In fact, we’re
not in very much now, whereas we probably never
went out for about 15 years.
We’re as competitive on the course now as we
ever were and when we play together we will tell
the other one if they do something wrong. You try
to make it casual, but you can’t. You can’t stop the
competitiveness. It pains me to say it, but Nigel is
better than me now, and I do defer to him on
the course.
I don’t think we would have returned to golf
and enjoyed it as much if we hadn’t come to Close
House. Apart from anything else, we wouldn’t
have been able to play together at weekends like
we do. Most places don’t have lovely environments
like this to come to eat and drink and when
there’s no food in the house we just come here.
It’s like home.
I played for Durham and Claire played for
Northumberland when we were kids so we were
always at the same competitions. We didn’t get
together until we were in our early twenties and
we got married in 1991. Now she’s my boss at
work, but not on the golf course!
I’m a sales agent for Ping Collection, which is
the apparel side of the business. I turned pro at
Golf has tied us together for more than 30
years, but I have to say that we did become
seriously disillusioned at the latter end of me
being a pro in the mid-2000s. I’d seen enough
of being a pro by then, so we both decided to
leave our respective clubs - Claire was pro at
Tynedale by then.
I was so disillusioned I thought I would
never play again. I’d just stopped enjoying it and
I stopped playing for nearly four years. Claire
didn’t play for 15 years.
I honestly thought I would never play
again, but then we heard about Close House
and a couple of years ago we came and had
a look round.
It was Claire’s birthday and we came for
coffee and a look round. We joined there and
then. We knew this was the place to bring us back
to golf.
Claire used to be significantly better than me
when she was on the European Tour, but now
I’m better and I get to be the boss on the course,
which is nice seeing as she’s in charge at work
and at home!
I’m vice captain this year and I’m looking
forward to next year as captain, though it is all a
bit stressful. I’ve got some big acts to follow.
It’s amazing how Close House brought us
back to the game and now we enjoy it so much. I
certainly wouldn’t have joined anywhere else. We
spend our working lives visiting golf courses and
none of them would have done it for us.
As for being captain, Claire might say it will
make no difference because I spend so much
time here anyway!
I never thought for one moment that I would
ever be a captain of a golf club because I didn’t
really expect to be playing golf again. I was a bit
18 and was club pro at Westerhope from the age
of 22. We got married a couple of years later.
shocked at being offered the opportunity, but you
can’t turn it down. Now I can’t wait.
“I thought I’d never play again,
then we came to Close House
and knew it was for us”
NIGEL
www.closehouse.com 11
WESTWOOD:
BACK ON COURSE
Lee Westwood on major championships, life in
Florida, and returning to Close House this summer
L
ee Westwood has certainly come a
long way in the 21 years since he
won the British Youth Championship
and turned professional. Back then, he
headed off to qualifying school and picked
up his European Tour card for the following
season, living the dream without too much thought
about what the years might bring.
“I never really looked that far ahead at 18
or 19,” he says. “You just enjoy living the dream.
You certainly don’t start looking 20 years
down the line and I never thought about becoming
World Number One or living in Florida, which only
shows what hard work and a lot of practice can
do. That, and having a belief in your ability.”
The many highlights of Westwood’s career
include knocking Tiger Woods off the World
Number One spot in November 2010 and playing
a major role in Europe’s resurgence in the Ryder
Cup over the last 16 years. He has enjoyed some
of his best results in majors in recent years,
including three top-eight finishes in the last four
Masters and three top-three finishes in the last
five Open Championships.
“I think my game is suited to the kind of
courses where the majors tend to be played;
tougher courses, where the winning score is five
or six under par rather than 20-under,” he says.
“The Open at Hoylake is the biggest tournament
of the year for me, this being my home major.
The last time the Open was at Hoylake it was
fast-running and hard. I think Tiger only hit one
driver all week, which isn’t really what you want to
see. You want to see all aspects of players’ games
tested. It’s a good track and will be a good test.”
Westwood will also be playing in the European
Tour’s flagship PGA Championship at Wentworth
and in the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen
the week before the Open. Now Florida-based,
a major chunk of his time in the UK is spent at
Close House; his home-from-home.
“It’s a fantastic place and the courses are
improving all the time,” he says. “The facilities are
fantastic and everybody is so friendly. It does feel
a bit like home. I love spending time in No.19,
the members are great, and I get on really well
with everybody.”
Westwood lent his name to both the Colt and
Filly courses in 2013 and was impressed with
them when he played last summer. “The Colt is
getting better and better as it matures,” he says.
“Everyone I speak to is impressed. There are
some testing holes, some that can give back a
shot or two, and some really demanding ones too.”
Westwood also consulted on the re-designed
18-hole Filly course last season. It marks his first
The Close House attached tour pro is now looking
forward to this summer’s Open Championship.
steps into golf course design, alongside course
architect Scott Macpherson, who designed the
12 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Lee Westwood
www.closehouse.com 13
CLOSE HOUSE | Lee Westwood
Lee Westwood Colt course. “I was very happy with the
way the course played during the launch event,” he
says. “I think for mid-high handicap golfers it’s going
to be a bit easier than the Colt, while players of a
good standard are tested as well.
“There still aren’t many easy shots and down
in the bottom of the valley you’ve got some great
views and some good holes. I’m pleased with the
way it plays. Scott is a very good course designer
and it’s interesting to go around a course and see
what he sees. I have my own ideas about courses and
the way they should look, but listening to somebody
like Scott, who has a lot of experience, makes you
appreciate how much more there is to take into
account when you are designing one.”
Westwood was a big part of the packed
Close House events calendar last season, and a
highlight for him was playing in the annual Have a
Heart fundraiser in aid of the Children’s Heart Unit
at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Close House
members including Alan Shearer, and Ant and Dec
joined Westwood for the event. “It was good fun. I get
on really well with all three of them and we raised a
lot of money for a great charity.”
After 20 years on the European Tour, Westwood’s
move to the US in 2012 was important for his
career, reducing his travel commitments as he
moved into his third decade as a professional. “I’ve
played tournaments on the PGA Tour so far this
year and that cuts down on the amount of jet lag
massively,” he says. “I’ll be making a few trips to
Europe and Asia throughout this year, but I’ve been
travelling around the world for 20 years now and it
does start to take its toll on the body. I have to start
cutting that down a bit.
“I’m enjoying being out in the US. The weather’s
fantastic, and all the family are enjoying it. The
practice conditions are a lot closer to what we’re
playing in week-in-week-out, so I don’t have to make
so many adjustments in the week of a tournament.”
Westwood has made a solid start to this season’s
PGA Tour, picking up three top-20 finishes since the
season began in October. “I’m starting to play a lot
better now,” he says. “I’m putting better, and my game
on all aspects of my game and lately I’ve been
working hard on my putting with my caddy, Billy
Foster. I seem to be holing a lot more putts, so I’m
pleased about that.”
Westwood has played a huge role in
Europe’s resurgence in the Ryder Cup as a
member of the last eight European teams,
six of them winning sides. “I’ve played the last
eight, so it’s obviously something I want to be
involved in again. I’m not sure what the weather
will be like in October. It can be unpredictable, but
that might play right into our hands. We seem to
handle bad weather better than the Americans.
“I think the course will be similar to when the
Ryder Cup was at the Belfry or Celtic Manor. It’s
quite new and I think it will be good for spectators.
I hope to be there, and do my bit for the team.”
Lee Westwood will be at Close House on
May 19 for the Have a Heart event, on July 4
for the Lee Westwood Corporate Challenge
and on September 30 for Founders’ Day. For
further details on membership and special
events, or tel 01661 85 22 55
is coming together again. I’m constantly working
visit www.closehouse.com
14 www.closehouse.com
16 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE| Membership
JOIN THE CLUB
Individual members of Close House join a special club
I
which offers a unique experience
magine, if you will, the opportunity
for unlimited use of the world’s only
Lee Westwood golf courses - the Lee
Westwood Colt, one of the top 100 courses
in England, and the recently redesigned
Lee Westwood Filly. Assuming real life doesn’t
get in the way, you could go out every day and
find a new challenge on courses endorsed by
one of the best golfers in the world.
That would be enough for most of us, and
combine it with access to a superb academy
and driving range, a new nine-hole par-three
practice facility, and a fantastic range of added
benefits, and you’re beginning to get an idea
of the experience at Close House.
Members here enjoy extras including
exclusive competitions, free club and shoe
cleaning, complimentary tees and pencils,
discounts on Close House facilities and
goods, and reciprocal playing deals with the
internationally renowned resorts Lough Erne,
Dubai Creek and Emirates Golf Club.
And as a member of Close House, you
may well be joined in the club championship
or a Sunday medal by famous faces. There are
many good reasons why big names like these
play here and love the facilities. Enjoy it…
and join the club.
Imagine playing on courses endorsed by a
world-leading golfer and you have Close House
MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES
Full membership £1,966
or £163.83 per month
Spouse membership £1,560
or £130 per month
Family membership (2 adults and children
up to 18) £3,500 or £291.66 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
Introductory price - Adult £200, Junior £150
- includes access to practice facilities (including
the new par-three course), £100-worth of driving
range balls, two rounds on the Lee Westwood
Filly, and a golf lesson with a PGA professional.
To find out more about Close House membership, contact the golf membership team,
tel 01661 85 22 55, email [email protected]
MEMBER PROFILE:
MARK BRYCE
DIRECTOR,
UNITED CARLTON
OFFICE SYSTEMS
There are so many reasons
why I enjoy being a member
of Close House.
The number one reason
for me has to be the quality
of the two golf courses. The
changes and developments
of both courses in the
last couple of years are
testament to the club’s desire
to please the members
and provide the best
facilities possible.
The staff make it a
really great place to come.
Everyone, from the staff in
the bar to the golf services
guys, always make you feel
welcome and part of the
place. You’re always made
to feel relaxed, and it’s the
same level of service whether
you’re a member or a guest.
On the social side, I try
to make it to Bonfire Night
every year, it’s a definite
highlight of the social events.
My daughter also had her
birthday party in No.19, and I
have entertained colleagues
there at Christmas.
www.closehouse.com 17
1 2
3
5
4
6
7 8
9
10
11
#1 Close House member Geoff Thompson in his trademark threads #2 The crowds following the lead group at the Have a Heart golf day in 2013
#3 Bobby Davro #4 Lee Westwood officially opening the Lee Westwood Colt course at Close House #5 Alan Shearer, Lee Westwood and Ant & Dec
#6 Andrew Chandler and Tim Price #7 Lee Westwood and caddie Helen Storey #8 Dec and a new stage partner #9 Lee Westwood catching a lift with
BBC presenter Clare Balding #10 Alan Shearer taking a close look at the line #11 Ant & Dec with Strictly’s Anton du Beke
18 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Join the club
12 13
15 16
14
17
18
19 20
21
22
23
#12 Ant stretching before his opening tee shot #13 Lee Westwood #14 Alan Hansen #15 David Edwards performing his golf show
#16 Ant and Alan Shearer taking the game seriously #17 AP McCoy takes a break from the saddle #18 Lee Westwood delivering a clinic for
Close House members #19 Alan Graham’s unique swing #20 Ben Shephard #21 Shola Ameobi #22 Steve Harmison waiting for his putt to drop
#23 Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler enjoying one of Alan Shearer’s jokes
www.closehouse.com 19
If you already hold a golf day
at Close House then Associate
Membership is the ideal next
step. Reward your customers
and staff with golf, leisure and
special dining in the No.19
restaurant and bar
20 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Let’s do business
GOLF MATTERS
IN BUSINESS
Entertain and reward your clients on and off the
course, and host your own corporate golf days
at Close House. It’s the business
To find out more about the Close House corporate membership contact the golf membership team at
MEMBER PROFILE:
CHARLES PENN
HEAD OF MARKETING,
SINTONS LLP
Close House is a brilliant
place to combine business
with pleasure. As your first
sight of proper green fields
out of Newcastle, arriving
here instantly makes people
relax. The service levels, staff
and facilities are excellent
and make it the ideal venue
for an off-site meeting
or lunch with customers
and colleagues.
Close House’s
surroundings and levels of
client service match our
needs perfectly. We prefer
smaller golfing events so
that we can give our guests
individual attention and the
whole group can mingle
informally – that’s when
business is done in our
experience – and Close
House delivers the right mix
of quality and flexibility for us.
We’ve run golf days
at Close House since it
opened and have always had
enjoyable, memorable and
productive events. The now
famous evening BBQ and
Close House, tel 01661 85 22 55, email [email protected]
Associate membership £6,750 per annum ex. VAT*
prize giving at No.19 always
round off an excellent day.
T
hey say more deals are done on the
golf course than in the boardroom, but
where to take the client who has been
everywhere and done everything?
The world’s leading business
gurus advise that people buy from people,
and entertaining your guests at Close House,
both on the golf course and off it, is a proven
method of maximising business relations.
Close House offers a superb mix
of quality golf, wonderful food and
luxurious accommodation in gorgeous
countryside just minutes from the city centre,
which is why it is renowned as a venue for
corporate golf days. These events can be
tailored to your business needs, including
branding on every hole and your personal
choice of entertainment and superb extras.
Corporate golf days at Close House are
justly renowned and remembered as some
of the best around, and their bespoke nature
makes for truly individual days to remember.
Corporate membership is full at 18
companies on the Lee Westwood Colt course.
The new Close House Associate Membership
package includes...
• Asscoiate members will be allocated 200
points to spend on rounds of golf
(one round on the Lee Westwood Filly
course is one point)
• Associate members may hold golf days on
the Lee Westwood Filly course (Monday
– Thursday) and can use their annual
allocation of points any time of the year.
• All individual tee-time bookings may be
booked online up to two weeks in advance,
via the secure online booking system or via
the golf shop.
• Four named employees can be issued a
membership card enabling them to charge
purchases to their account up to an agreed
credit limit. These cards give a 10%
discount on food and beverages.
• Any additional rounds above the allocation
booked by a corporate member will be
offered at the member’s guest rate.
• Corporate accommodation rates for Close
House courtyard rooms.
• Account tracking is also available online at
any time.
Close House would like to welcome our new associate members Newcastle Falcons,
Speedflex and Kitwave
www.closehouse.com 21
DOING
BUSINESS
ON THE
COURSE
The key to a great golf day is in the
memorable and often surprising touches
C
learly, there are few better ways to spend
a day at work than on the golf course,
while for a day off what better than
entertaining family and friends with your
own golf day at Close House?
Close House offers a spectacular backdrop
for corporate, individual and society golf days and
after-play entertainment, while its specialist events
team is renowned for its expertise in creating
highly individual, memorable events.
The key to creating the perfect day – personal,
society or corporate – is in the extra special
touches which make it memorable.
The Close House events team works with
you at every stage of the process, and with the
CLOSE HOUSE CORPORATE PARTNERS
22 www.closehouse.com
choice of two Lee Westwood-endorsed golf
courses, exquisite food, immaculate facilities and
the meticulous attention to detail the Close House
team is renowned for, a golf day at Close House
is a truly memorable experience.
The events team plays a key role in major
events including the annual Have a Heart charity
golf day and corporate days for major partners
including UBS and law firm Sintons. Plus, they
show the same level of enthusiasm and attention
to detail whether they’re hosting a golf day for
12 society players or an event for 150-plus
enthusiasts, which is why dates for golf days
at Close House are so sought-after.
Golf days often bring together experienced
golfers and enthusiastic beginners. The Close
House team can tailor your event to suit, including
personal lessons and group tuition for all abilities,
use of the superb practice facilities and the
choice of two golf courses with varying degrees
of difficulty.
On corporate days, corporate branding on the
course, golf products and gifts can make your
golf day one to remember. And because Close
House is located within 15 minutes’ drive of
Newcastle International Airport and Newcastle
city centre, Close House is the perfect place to
indulge your clients, whether local or travelling
from afar, with great golf, fantastic food and
luxurious accommodation.
To find out more about holding a corporate,
individual, charity or society golf day at Close
House contact the events team,tel 01661 85
22 55, email [email protected]
CLOSE HOUSE | Golf days
HIGH SEASON
APRIL 1 – SEPTEMBER 30
Package price available for 12-84 golfers
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
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
www.closehouse.com 23
JUNIOR STAR
Dean Bailey meets a young star to watch as he takes
a short break from the course at Close House’s No.19
J
unior golfers are familiar faces at most
clubs, spending every second of daylight
they can on the course, at the driving
range or on the practice ground.
Ben Crawford, 16, is no different. He’s
already hit some balls at the Academy before
meeting us in No.19 for a 10am cuppa, and he’s
heading out for a few holes after our chat.
“I spend as much time as possible here,” he
says. “I’ve been completely hooked since I first
picked up a club and I want to be here as much
as possible.”
He was rewarded for his dedication in 2013,
winning the Junior Club Championship, leading
the Close House junior team to the league title,
and representing Northumberland. “The Junior
Club Championship was a big highlight last
season,” he says. “I shot level par on the Filly in
the first round and then shot three over-par on the
Colt in the second round. I think I won by about
15 shots.”
Heading into the second half of the season,
having reduced his handicap from six to three,
Ben was selected for the Northumberland county
junior team, “the best part of last season as a
whole,” he says. “I managed to win three of my
four matches.”
He was also vice captain of the league-
number one player for the whole season, and the
standard at number one and two is so high you’ve
got to be playing really well to pick up points.”
The only golfer in his family, Ben has
progressed massively since he first picked up
the game aged nine. “The first time I swung a
golf club would have been on a par-three course,
I played there with my dad a lot when I was
younger. When I moved to high school I had a few
lessons at Close House and would use the driving
range. My first round was here when I was 11,
when I shot 99 on the original Filly course.”
This year Ben
will be captain of the
junior section and is
looking forward to
another successful
year. “I want to keep
progressing. I’m
looking to get down to scratch this season. I also
want to keep playing for the county and I’ll need
to keep improving to be selected for the team. “
Juniors at Close House are as much a part
of the club as the full members. “We’re always
welcome in No.19 and we come up here after
we’ve played to hang out and watch TV,” Ben says.
“It’s really relaxed and we like spending time in
and around the club as well as on the courses.
winning Close House junior team. “Everyone in
the team played really well last season. I was the
It’s just a great place to be. I’m really happy to
develop my game here.”
24 www.closehouse.com
“I spend as much time
as possible here”
CLOSE HOUSE | Junior star
BEN COLLECTING JUST
SOME OF HIS TROPHIES,
AND WITH THE JUNIOR
TEAM AT CLOSE HOUSE
Junior membership at Close House is £190
per year and includes all the benefits full
Close House members enjoy.
Contact the golf team, tel 01661 85 22 55
email [email protected]
www.closehouse.com 25
ASK THE
EXPERT
For an expert opinion on the way
a course plays, who better to
ask than Lee Westwood?
I
first played Close House in May 2011 and was amazed
by the condition and the standard of the courses.
Having got to know it well, it didn’t come as a surprise
to me when the Colt was awarded Top 100 English
course status just eight months after it opened.
This is a quality course in both design and presentation,
which is exactly what you want to hear when you put your
name to a golf course.
There have been some small changes since I last
reviewed the course for Northern Golfer magazine in 2012,
the biggest of which was to the 18th.
The 18th on the Colt is 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 - you can’t let your guard down until you’ve got it over
the wall and made your par.
I think the course is getting better with time; the greens
are fantastic and are maturing superbly. There are some
testing holes and some demanding shots, and you can
certainly be punished for trying to force shots and get the
ball into the smaller parts of the greens. But there are also
some holes that are a little bit easier, and you can pick up a
shot or two if you wait for the right opportunity.
It’s a tough but fair test, and I relish the prospect of
playing it again this summer. I hope I’ll see you there.
26 www.closehouse.com
Attached tour pro Lee Westwood on the
Lee Westwood Colt course at Close House
CLOSE HOUSE | The Lee Westwood Colt course
HOLE 1 Not the easiest opening tee shot you’ll ever
face. The best approach is often from the left side of
the fairway where you get an unobstructed view of the
putting surface. This is, however, the most difficult side
of the fairway to hit.
1
HOLE 4 Perhaps the toughest of the par threes and
certainly the longest. Generally, there’s a crosswind and
it seems to play half a club longer than you think. The
bunkers at the front of the green are to be avoided.
HOLE 8 This can be very tough. You have to decide
whether to drive down the left or the right side, with
a bunker sitting right in the middle of the fairway. The
second shot isn’t much easier, especially if the wind is
blowing, to a green with a swale running through it. It’s
a very difficult approach shot to club because you’re
playing downhill and there are a lot of hazards around
the green. Par is always a good score here.
9
HOLE 9 An attractive but difficult hole. It plays quite
long from the back tees to a green which is narrow
from front to back, making club selection tough.
Remember that there’s lots of room on the right half of
the green, and avoiding the water is essential.
HOLE 11 Played from the very top of the hill, the tee
shot is like threading a needle. There are no bunkers,
but there is trouble right of the green. This green offers
some of the best views on the course.
13
17
HOLE 13 A great hole with some incredible 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. This is the biggest
green on the course, so play the percentages.
HOLE 17 A par five offering a good birdie chance. The
generous fairway slopes from right to left, aim right
and remember to allow for the wind. There is a copse
of oak trees, which have to be avoided with the second
shot. The danger is over and left of the green. The hole
can play into the wind, which can be very tricky, but
great fun.
www.closehouse.com 27
TOM’S THE TOPS
Commis chef Tom Freeman is
the latest member of the Close
House kitchen team to put his
name on the honours board after
picking up the Cherry Grainger
Memorial Prize in London.
The prize, awarded to catering
and hospitality trainees who
excel during their City & Guilds
training, comes as Tom takes his
first steps on the career ladder.
“I started as an apprentice in
the No.19 kitchen and I think the
reason I got the job in the first
place was because I pestered
them so much,” says Tom. “They
probably felt they had to give me
the job just to shut me up!”
Tom, 19, has always had a
passion for food and is gaining
a huge amount of experience
at Close House. “Every day is
different here,” he says. “You can
go from a golf event with
100-plus covers to a family
coming in for a three-course
dinner in the evening.
“The menu is constantly
changing and there’s always
something new to learn and
improve on.
“It’s a close-knit place,
everyone knows each other
and there’s a warm atmosphere
around the place.”
28 www.closehouse.com
EAT AND RELAX
No.19 at Close House - the perfect place to
unwind after work or golf
A
s every golfer knows, the key to a
good round often lies in the stomach.
Close House’s No.19 clubhouse is
the perfect place to unwind before or
after a round and enjoy some of the
North East’s finest produce prepared by the
award-winning team of Close House chefs
led by Simon Walsh.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite
before or after a round of golf, enjoying a
three-course dinner, or a light lunch on the
terrace, No.19 is a wonderful spot to relax in
beautiful surroundings and enjoy lovely views
over the Northumberland countryside.
The No.19 menu changes with the
seasons and the availability of local produce
and includes such gems as locally foraged
mushrooms, cheese from Northumberland
Cheese Company, meat from Butterworths,
JD Halls, Pioneer Food and Charlotte’s
Butchery and ale from Wylam Brewery.
No.19 also has a restaurant and the
Westwood Suite, offering wonderful views of
the Tyne Valley with space for parties of up to
140. Hotel guests, golf members and visitors
are all welcome to spend time admiring the
view while enjoying everything from breakfast,
to a light lunch to a three-course dinner.
To book a table in No.19 tel 01661 85 22 55
CLOSE HOUSE | Eating out and private hire
NO.19 SCOTCH EGGS
SERVES 4
Ingredients
10 medium eggs
450g sausages (skins removed)
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp cornflour
45g French mustard
salt and freshly ground black pepper
plain flour
50g whole milk
125g fine breadcrumbs
groundnut oil for deep frying
Method
NO.19 BEANS ON TOAST
SERVES 4
Ingredients
200g dried haricot beans
200g cannellini beans
6 tbsp vegetable oil
200g diced pancetta
150g diced chorizo
Method
Soak the beans in cold water overnight and
drain through a sieve. In a large saucepan,
heat the oil then add the diced pancetta
and chorizo and fry until crisp. Add the
onion and garlic and cook until softened.
2 white onions diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp tomato puree
800g tinned chopped tomatoes
180ml red wine vinegar
100g dark brown sugar
400ml water
salt and pepper to taste
4 slices smoked pancetta
1 loaf sourdough
4 duck eggs
1 bunch of watercress
Add the smoked paprika and tomato puree
and cook for 4-5 mins. Add the chopped
tomatoes, red wine vinegar, sugar and
water and bring to a boil. Turn to a low heat
and add the drained beans. Cook on low for
three hours, until the beans are tender and
the sauce is rich and thick. Season to taste.
Meanwhile, bake the smoked pancetta
between two flat trays at 200C/Gas 6 for
14 mins. Slice and toast the sourdough.
Fry the eggs. Pour the beans over the
sourdough, top with the egg and garnish
with the watercress and crispy bacon.
Preheat the oven to190C/Gas 5. Put
8 eggs in a single layer in a pan. Cover
with cold water up to 3cm, put on a
lid and place over a high heat. When
water boils, remove pan from heat and
stand for 3 mins. Then transfer eggs to
a bowl of iced water for 10–15 mins.
Place sausagemeat in a food processor
with paprika, cornflour, mustard, and a
splash of cold water. Season and blitz.
Divide into eight balls. Peel eggs, flatten
sausagemeat into circles between two
sheets of clingfilm, remove top layer of
clingfilm, place an egg in the centre of
each, wrap sausage meat around by
bringing edges together and twisting
the top of the clingfilm. Refridgerate for
20 mins. Season some plain flour. Beat
remaining eggs and stir in milk. Roll each
coated egg in flour, dip in egg and roll in
breadcrumbs. Refridgerate for 15 mins.
Deep fry at 190C for 2 mins until golden
brown, then cook for 10 mins on a rack
over a baking tray. Serve immediately!
Book the Westwood Suite at No.19 for your
special event
www.closehouse.com 29
CLOSE HOUSE | Eating out and private hire
STARTER FOR
10/10
No.19 sous chef Paul Johnson
added the Great North Menu
Challenge to the Close House
kitchen’s trophy cabinet recently
with his salad of lobster, blood
orange and fennel.
The judging panel included
celebrated chef restaurateur
Terry Laybourne, James
Butterfield from Darlington
College, Paul O’Hara, executive
chef of Rockliffe Hall, and
Simon Devine, executive chef at
Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel.
Paul, 28, a graduate of New
College Durham, says: “What
makes Close House special for
me is the informality.
“People can pop in for light
bites or come in on a Saturday
night and enjoy a full threecourse dinner.
“We also have members who
are in two and three times a
week so we have to change all
the time. We have a fantastic
golf course and a fantastic
clubhouse. The kitchen team
have to step up to that level.”
The winning dishes, including
Paul’s starter, were served
to hundreds of guests at the
North East Hotel Association
Excellence Awards dinner at
Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel.
30 www.closehouse.com
CRISPY FISH BITES IN
LEMONADE BATTER
WITH ‘CHIPPY’ MAYO
SERVES 2
Ingredients
320g mixed seafood (whiting, monkfish,
king prawns and plaice)
200ml lemonade
110g plain flour
salt and pepper
‘CHIPPY’ MAYO
SERVES 4
Method
Preheat a deep fat fryer to 180C.
Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces.
In a bowl, whisk together the lemonade
and flour to make a batter. Lightly dust
the fish in a little seasoned flour, and then
dip each piece into the lemonade batter.
Carefully lower the fish into the deepfat fryer and cook for 4 mins, until crisp
and golden.
Remove from the fryer with a slotted
spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Season
with a little sea salt and serve with
chippy mayo.
Ingredients
200g mayonnaise
1tbsp malt vinegar
1tsp balsamic vinegar
1 large egg (hard boiled, finely diced)
5g chopped parsley
10g chopped chives
½ lemon (zest and juice)
50g pickled onion (finely diced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Mix all ingredients together in bowl
and serve. Easy!
CLOSE HOUSE | Advertorial
QUALITY AND AMBITION
S
ome of the faces
may have changed
but the quality and
ambition that is the UBS
Newcastle office very much
remains. Over the last 12
months, three new client advisors have joined the
Wealth Management office; Andrew Elliot, Vinay
Bedi and David Scordino.
Andrew has worked in investment
management for 23 years, previously with
Barclays Wealth and has been applying his
knowledge to the charity sector, in particular, over
the last 15 years. Vinay’s 27 years’ experience
is through the stockbroking offices of Brewin
Dolphin, having previously worked in institutional
research and corporate broking. Again this has
been put to good use in the charity field as well as
with pension funds and high net worth individuals.
David Scordino joined in December 2013, having
previously been with HSBC for 11 years, and
David is applying his skills and expertise principally
in the private client arena.
UBS is one of the founder sponsors at Close
House and some of it’s longer serving stalwarts,
including Aidan Dunstan and Jonathan Brown,
remain key players, both in the office and at the
course. Aidan now heads up the Newcastle office
and says: “We are looking forward to bringing
our loyal clients back to the region’s top golf
course during 2014, but also looking forward to
introducing our rapidly growing client base to the
wonders of the fantastic golfing experience that is
Close House.”
Jonathan Brown, Head of the regional UK
business, reflects on what has been an important
period of change at UBS Newcastle – “the
opportunity to strengthen our team of investment
professionals has given a huge uplift to the office.
I cannot stress enough how delighted I am to
have been able to make three such powerful
additions to the office and we have no doubts
that we can offer all of our wide range of clients
and friends in the region the complete UBS
experience and expertise.”
UBS’s focus is on superior 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 it is another relationship
that looks like enduring long into the future.
Vinay Bedi (pictured inset), Executive Director,
UBS Wealth Management.
Tel: 0191 211 1015, Email: [email protected],
www.ubs.com/wealthmanagement-uk
UBS AG, 2 St James’ Gate, Newcastle, NE4 7JH, T: 0191 211 1000, www.ubs.com/uk
www.closehouse.com 31
TEE-TIME
WITH FREDDY
Freddy Shepherd remembers some of Newcastle United’s
best golfers, playing a surprise round with President Clinton
and happy days at play at Close House
Y
ou’re a Premiership Club chairman
travelling in Europe with the team.
So what’s the first question you ask
about your next destination? “Does the
hotel have a golf course?” says former
Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd,
quick as a bullet. “One of the main things we
looked for on every away trip was a good course.
We played all over Europe, in something like 100
European venues in the time I was there, so you
can imagine how many golf courses we played.”
Many of Newcastle’s best players from the
last 25 years have shared his passion for golf, and
Shepherd has played alongside many of them.
“Alan Shearer is a very good player and he loves
his golf at Close House. Steve Harper, Clarence
Acuña, David Ginola are all good, too.”
Shepherd was one of those who introduced
United player and Close House member Shola
Ameobi to the game. “He first picked up a golf
club in Marbella when we were at a pre-season
training camp. We knew straight away that he was
going to be good - he could hit it a mile. He went
from a beginner to a very good golfer in no time.”
Shepherd picked up the game later in life than
many of his playing partners. “I picked up a club
for the first time about five years before I was at
Newcastle, around 1985. I had a group of friends
who already played, such as Les Rayner, Paul
Reid and Jon Wilkinson. They got me into it and
100 yards from the 18th fairway of the Royal
Westmoreland in Barbados, has had the chance to
play there and at Close House with a host of top
golfers and famous faces, including Tony Jacklin a
few years ago.
“A big highlight was playing with President
Clinton in Dubai. It was purely by accident. Les
and I walked into the Emirates Golf Club and
a guy came across and asked whether we
would like to play a few holes with Clinton, who
was giving a lecture that afternoon. We were
introduced to him on the first tee and played nine
holes together. He was great company. There was
a little pressure to hit good shots, though, with his
security detail flanking the fairway.”
Shepherd has been a member of Close House
since Graham Wylie bought the property in 2004.
“Graham has done a fantastic job, it’s a fantastic
place, everybody is so friendly. It’s a real asset to
Newcastle and the North East as a whole.”
Shepherd, who joined the family offshore
business in the 1960s, says Close House is the
ideal place to host clients and friends. “It’s a bit of
a mixing pot, I’m always amazed by what comes
out of chatting to people there. We’ve entertained
people from around the world there and they’ve
loved it. It’s a friendly club and everyone, whether
a member or a guest, is made welcome.
“All my friends play there, it’s close to
Newcastle, and the staff and the facilities are first
we still play together now.”
Shepherd, who also owns a home just
class. It’s just a great place to spend your time. I
wouldn’t be without it.”
32 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Meet the members
The Shepherd Offshore trophy
With Close House member Claire Brown
With golf general manager John Glendinning
www.closehouse.com 33
STAY…
AND PLAY!
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION AND GOLF COURSES
ENDORSED BY LEE WESTWOOD. ENJOY!
C
ombining two top-class golf courses
with luxurious accommodation,
Close House is justly renowned for
its superb golf breaks.
First to the golf, and the
championship-standard Lee Westwood Colt
course was opened in May 2011 and voted
one of the top 100 golf courses in England
less than eight months later. The recently
re-designed Lee Westwood Filly course
follows the line of the river Tyne and
complements the Colt course superbly.
2014 also sees the opening of a new
par-three practice course - a great starter for
players limbering up for the main courses.
Following a day on one of the courses,
there are few better destinations for a little
post-course R&R than one of the beautiful
Courtyard suite-style rooms or the new
Terrace rooms. Each of the 12 Courtyard
Harry Colt, who was involved in more than
300 courses including Sunningdale, Muirfield
and Wentworth. Today, the Lee Westwood
Colt course mirrors a number of his design
principles. Meanwhile, the four luxurious new
Terrace rooms each include a spacious living
area and are available for 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
bedrooms and four Terrace rooms are named
after golf courses designed by the great
breaks. To book, tel 01661 85 22 55
email [email protected]
34 www.closehouse.com
“In the heart of Hadrian’s Wall
country yet near to the city,
Close House is a perfect spot”
CLOSE HOUSE | Stay and Play
ALL OF THE
ROOMS AT CLOSE
HOUSE ARE
NAMED AFTER
FAMOUS HARRY
COLT DESIGNED
GOLF COURSES
The beautiful Courtyard rooms
Royal Portrush room
Chesterfield room
www.closehouse.com 35
A GRAND
DAY OUT
Charities love nothing more than a
day’s golf at Close House, and the
fundraising can be significant
E
veryone loves a day out of the office
or away from their usual day-to-day
routine, and what better way to spend
your time than at a charity golf day
on one of the best golf courses in the
country with superb entertainment laid on?
Close House is a popular venue for
fundraising golfers, benefiting from the talents
of a specialist in-house events team skilled in
their ability to make every golf day perfectly
bespoke, from small gatherings of 12 players
to major events with 200-plus players and
hundreds of spectators.
For charities, golf days have always been
an incredibly powerful tool for raising money
and Close House plays host to some of the
North East’s biggest fundraisers, including the
high-profile annual Have a Heart charity golf
day in aid of the Children’s Heart Unit Fund at
the Freeman Hospital, and fundraisers for the
Alan Shearer Foundation.
Lee Westwood, who supports the Have
a Heart golf day, says: “It’s very important to
raise money for the Children’s Heart Unit and
we are so very lucky to have this pioneering
and skilled team in the region.
“This event allows us to put a large sum in
the bank for the charity and have a great time
in the process.
“When you’re in a lucky position like me,
playing golf for a living, it’s nice to be able to
put something back in to the local community.
It was great playing with Alan Shearer and
Ant and Dec also support the day. Dec
says: “The Freeman Hospital does such great
work, giving hope to people and keeping the
kids’ spirits up when they have to. We were
really humbled when we visited the unit for
the first time a year or two back and the work
they’re doing is phenomenal, so it’s great to
support this day.”
The events team at Close House can
organise everything from prizes to individual
Ben Shephard at the Have a Heart day last
year. They think they can play golf, but they
can’t! I just like to take the mick out of them.”
and group lessons before you head out onto
the course, and charities and golf societies
return year after year to stage their events.
36 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Golf days
CHARITY DAYS
APRIL 1 - SEPTEMBER 30
Package price available for 12-84 golfers
LEE WESTWOOD FILLY
COURSE 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 £65.00 PER PERSON
LEE WESTWOOD FILLY
COURSE 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
LEE WESTWOOD FILLY
COURSE PACKAGE 3
•
•
•
•
•
•
“THE EVENT ALLOWS US
TO PUT A LARGE SUM
IN THE BANK FOR THE
CHARITY AND HAVE A
GREAT TIME DOING IT”
BEN SHEPHARD
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
To find out more about holding your charity
or society golf day at Close House contact
the events team, tel 01661 85 22 55
email [email protected]
www.closehouse.com 37
MONO
ZONE
This season, the best
dressed are in black
and white, and not just
on the football pitch
Very occasionally, a trend appears that anyone
can wear, and for 2014, monochrome is it.
Effortlessly elegant and easy to match, even if
you’re diagnosably colour blind, black and white
screams classic style and suits everyone, not
just Newcastle United’s players.
Unlike the pesky neon brights of last summer,
monochrome suits anyone, of whatever skin
and hair colour. And if you like a flash of colour,
simply add a red nail or a cobalt blue bag or
shoe to ring the changes.
Block designs are still in this season, and
monochrome blocking is bang on-trend, as
evidenced by the likes of Kylie Minogue,
Kate Beckinsale and the re-emergent Lily Allen.
Sleek and chic, monochrome lends itself
beautifully to tailored looks, while this season’s
pencil skirt is timeless in black or white.
38 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Fashion
EFFORTLESS
ELEGANCE AND
STYLE: IT’S ALL IN
BLACK AND WHITE
Tamzin wears (right):
Helmut Lang knit sweater £325
Joseph white trousers £185
all Fenwick
Tamzin wears (left):
Vivienne Westwood jacket £550
Vivienne Westwood skirt £199
Helmut Lang sleeveless cowl neck top £165
Diane Von Furstenberg clutch £275
Lee wears: Hugo Boss blazer £330
Hugo Boss shirt £99
Neuw jeans £99
all Fenwick
www.closehouse.com 39
intu.co.uk/metrocentre
for fashion
If fashion is your thing then we’ve got the region’s biggest selection of shops with thousands of brands to
keep you happy. With everything from designer labels to cutting-edge high street fashions and purse-friendly
favourites, intu Metrocentre has got it all. If entertainment is more your thing then we have the only IMAX
cinema in the region and more restaurants and coffee shops to satisfy your appetite. Whatever the weather,
whatever you’re looking for, intu Metrocentre, it’s a great day in.
Log onto www.intu.co.uk/metrocentre to find out more.
Left to right: Boss @ House of Fraser, Jovanna @ Tucci, Oasis, Next, Coast, Lambretta @ TK Maxx
CLOSE HOUSE | Fashion
Tamzin wears
Paul Smith jacket £399
Theory textured skater skirt £230
Helmut Lang sleeveless cowl
neck top £165
Dune shoes £79
Diane Von Furstenberg tote £430
Lee wears
Paul Smith jeans £125
Zegna leather jacket £815
J Lindberg T-shirt £55
Grenson boots £215
all Fenwick
GO FLATTER YOURSELF
IN BLACK AND WHITE
The power of monochrome to flatter is pretty much
unmatched. Go for panels to slim or wear black under
a textured pattern, as our model Tamzin does above.
Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael recently hit
the red carpet in a white Viktor & Rolf gown lifted to
the dizzy heights of style stardom by an elegant black
pleat detail, while for the textured layers worn by
Tamzin, above, Nicole Ritchie has recently taken the
prize. The key here is that, how ever you wear it, black
and white is the ultimate figure flatterer.
www.closehouse.com 41
CLOSE HOUSE | Fashion
Tamzin wears: Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress £399
Max Mara bag £650, Dune court shoes £79 all Fenwick
BOLD MONO BLOCKS
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42 www.closehouse.com
www.closehouse.com 43
LEE
WESTWOOD’S
GUIDE TO
THE FILLY
If you haven’t yet played the new Lee Westwood
Filly course, it’s time you did, and what better way
to start than with this guide from the man himself
I
t gave me great pleasure to open the Lee
Westwood Filly course at Close House
in July last year. The redesigned Filly is
another feather in the Close House cap,
and I think its architect Scott Macpherson
has created a course which players of every
level can appreciate.
Scott and I like to see a lot of the same
things in golf course design and it was a
pleasure to work with him on the project.
I felt that while it was a great and muchloved course, the original Filly lacked a clear
sense of strategy from the tee. There were
a lot of opportunities to pull the driver out
and overpower the course. An extensive
re-bunkering has now changed the way it
plays. Longer players are now forced to play
strategically and are tested on every tee
shot, while there’s still a little room for the
mid-high handicapper.
The biggest change to the Filly was rerouting it so that the ninth returned to the
44 www.closehouse.com
clubhouse. Scott and I agreed that it was really
important to have the opportunity to enjoy nine
holes, whether in the evening after work or at
the weekend with your children.
The Filly now offers a perfect contrast to
the tough test presented by the championship
Colt course.
The Filly offers
something for
every player
at any level,
whether the
bigger hitter
who has to think
twice about
taking out the driver or the beginner who will
benefit from the slightly wider fairways and
flatter greens.
Having made my first steps in golf course
design with the Filly, it was great to play it
for the first time and I hope you agree that it
enhances the overall Close House experience.
“ The redesigned Filly
course is another feather
in the Close House cap for
every player to appreciate”
CLOSE HOUSE | The Lee Westwood Filly course
HOLE 1, 388 YARD, PAR 4
The first now has bunkers on both
the right and left of the fairway.
In the past you could hit the ball
down the left side without too much danger, but
now you have to decide whether to play short of
the left-hand bunker or commit to driving over
the top of the right-hand trap. It’s a strategic test
which gives you an idea of what to expect from
the rest of the course. There’s a new bunker
waiting to catch a mis-hit approach to the green,
now reshaped to offer a mix of pin positions.
HOLE 5, 382 YARD, PAR 4
Three large trees have been
removed from the left hand side
of the hole to open up the fairway,
but two new bunkers narrow the landing area for
players choosing the driver. For me, the choice is
based on how confident I’m feeling with the driver,
as it’s important to avoid unnecessary bogeys this
early in the round. The water hazard at the front
of the hole has been extended, which means that
accuracy with your approach shot is essential.
This certainly deserves its stroke index one billing.
HOLE 7, 317 YARD, PAR 4
Before the course was changed
this was a drivable risk-and-reward
hole played up the hill. Having
been extended by 40 yards, the ideal tee shot is
now played onto the plateau 210 yards from the
tee. The green now features two tiers, making
distance control essential to leave you with a
good birdie chance.
HOLE 18, 363 YARD, PAR 4
A new tee adds 20 yards and new
cross bunkers make you choose to
lay-up short with fairway wood or
take the driver out and go over them. I chose to
drive over the bunkers, but knew that if I didn’t hit
a great drive I was in trouble. The ditch short of
the green has been widened and will catch poorly
struck bunker shots. New bunkers around the
green make this hole a potential score spoiler. It’s
a fitting last hole overlooked by the mansion.
www.closehouse.com 45
CLOSE HOUSE | Meet the members
THE
NEWBIE
SPEAKS
Golf clubs can be daunting,
but not Close House, as
newbie Vickie Wood explains
E
very golfer is drawn to the game for a different
reason, and for Vickie Wood it was the
opportunity to spend time with her husband
Shaun and son Kieran.
“Shaun had been asking me to play golf
for years, but when you’re working full time you never
really get the chance to,” Vickie explains.
“A couple of years ago I took a career break and
was looking for something to get my teeth into. Shaun
was playing a lot of golf, and it seemed like Kieran was
playing every day so I thought, ‘if you can’t beat them
join them’, and here I am.”
That was a little over a year ago and Vickie is now
hooked. “I can’t stop playing,” she says. “First of all, I
came down and did a few lessons as part of the Get
into Golf programme at the Close House Academy and
just a couple of those had me hooked. I haven’t looked
back since.
“Golf just gets you. I’ve never stuck at anything
for more than about six weeks, but the Get into Golf
programme makes it so easy to pick up because it’s
really relaxed and the professionals keep everything
really simple and make the lessons fun.”
Vickie has only recently joined Close House as a
member and has progressed from the Academy onto
the golf course in the last couple of months. “The
three of us play together and then nip into No.19 for
something to eat. It’s great to come in as a family and
be able to relax,” she says.
If you’re interested in becoming a member
at Close House, contact the golf team,
tel 01661 85 22 55
email [email protected]
www.closehouse.com 47
DRIVING FORCE
Brushing up your game or just beginning a love affair
with golf, everyone is welcome at the Academy at
Close House, whether you’re getting a golf lesson
or just grabbing a coffee
T
he Close House Academy and Driving
Range is open to golfers of all ages and
abilities, in addition to club members
and visitors. With designated tuition
bays, a custom-fit suite, practice bays,
a specialist short game area, and café, this
renowned facility provides a perfect practice
ground before embarking upon the
Lee Westwood Colt or Filly courses.
The Driving Range is also fitted with the latest
floodlight technology, which means you get to
practise late into the evening.
And whether you want to brush up on your
long or short game, the Close House professional
team is on hand to help you hone your skills with
private or group tuition.
Facilities:
- PGA-qualified professional staff
- Flood-lit to allow you to practice
for even longer
- Designated long-game and short-game
practice areas
- Technical analysis aided by video capture
through GASP software
- On-course lessons with the Close House
team of golf professionals
50 www.closehouse.com
-
High performance custom-fitting
Flightscope radar system
SAM puttlab analysis system for ultimate
putting stroke feedback
Introduction of physical profiling to aid
golf development
Demonstration equipment available from
leading club manufacturers
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
entitles the holder to 10% extra range balls
£50 card
entitles the holder to 25% extra range balls
CLOSE HOUSE | Tuition, Academy & Driving Range
GOLF
TUITION
With expert tuition at every level, from complete
beginner to skilled low-handicapper, tuition from a
Close House professional can make all the difference
to your game.
You can also benefit from the latest technology in golf
swing analysis, including the GASP Lab video system and
Forceplates, and the Explanar swing training system.
JONATHAN LUPTON
Head PGA professional Jonathan Lupton has represented
England, and GB & Ireland as an amateur. Working closely
with experts including Peter Cowan (European Tour coach)
and Keith Williams (EGU National coach), Jonathan has
developed his own methods and theory of coaching, suited
to every game, from pro to beginner.
SALLY HINTON
PGA teaching professional Sally Hinton has a passion for
coaching and prides herself on treating everyone as an
individual, avoiding the ‘one-swing-for-all’ approach, which
pervades at some clubs.
TIM COCKILL
PGA professional Tim Cockill joined the Close House team
in June 2012. Tim specialises in custom fitting and group
tuition and a big part of Tim’s role is delivering the Get into
Golf initiative at the Close House Academy and Driving
Range. Tim is also a custom fit technician trained by Ping,
Callaway, TaylorMade, VEGA and Titleist.
DAVID ORD
The newest member of the Close House team, David built
his repuation on the links lands of the Northumberland
coast. A big part of David’s role at Close House is
delivering clinics in local schools and businesses - raising
the profile of Close House and getting people into golf.
ANDREW SCRIMSHAW
The youngest member of the team, Andrew joined
Close House in 2011. He won the PGA Assistants’
Championship North Region Qualifier in 2013, and
finisehed 12th in the regional PGA order of merit.
www.closehouse.com 51
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52 www.closehouse.com
Tel: 0191 422 2700
Email: [email protected]
CLOSE HOUSE | Playing away
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
PLAYING
AWAY...
When you join Close House
you don’t just get to play
the championship-standard
Lee Westwood Colt and Lee
Westwood Filly golf courses.
You also get the chance to
play some of the world’s top
courses at a reduced rate
PLAY AROUND THE WORLD
Members of Close House enjoy reduced green fees
at some of the world’s best golf courses.
Lough Erne Resort
Set on a spectacular 600-acre peninsula, the five-star
Lough Erne Resort boasts two championship 18-hole
golf courses - The Faldo Course opened in July
2009, and the Castle Hume Championship Course.
Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club has hosted the
world’s best golfers, including the European Tour’s
Dubai Desert Classic twice. The course record of 63
is held by Close House attached professional Lee
Westwood and Darren Clarke. The par-three course,
driving range and practice facilities are all floodlit,
allowing you to play late into the night.
Emirates Golf Club
Emirates Golf Club, which hosts the Omega Dubai
Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters,
has two world-class golf courses in the Majlis and
the Faldo. The latter is the only 18 hole course in the
region to offer night golf.
www.closehouse.com 53
HAVE A
HEART
The Have a Heart Charity Golf
Day 2014 will see celebrities from
sports and entertainment including
Ant & Dec, Jodie Kidd, Darren
Gough and Ruby Walsh join Close
House owner Graham Wylie and
attached tour professional Lee
Westwood on the Lee Westwood
Colt and Lee Westwood Filly
courses to raise money for the
Children’s Heart Unit Fund at the
Freeman Hospital in Newcastle
Lee Westwood
escaping
one of the
Colt’s deeper
bunkers
Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler showing he’s
still handy from the tee
2013’s Best
Dressed Team
The winning
team
with Lee
Westwood
Ant, Alan Shearer and Lee Westwood
enjoying a mid-round comfort break
Graham Wylie and Ant
2013’s first group
54 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Social
Dec, Ant and Alan Shearer take
some refreshments on board
Clare Balding
Tom Chaplin
of Keane
performing
Anton Du Beke
Michelle
Heaton
HAVE A HEART
CELEBRITY
MILLION
DOLLAR
CHALLENGE
AND GALA
DINNER
MAY 19 2014
One of the most prestigious
events in the Close House
calendar, the annual Have
a Heart event raises funds
for the children’s Heart Unit
at the Freeman Hospital in
Newcastle.
The 2014 event sees the
introduction of a million dollar
hole-in-one prize on the 9th
hole of the Lee Westwood
Colt course. See a host of
celebrities including Ant and
Dec, Alan Shearer, Clare
Balding and Geoffrey Boycott
take on the million dollar
hole-in-one challenge.
The event takes place
on both the Lee Westwood
Colt and Lee Westwood Filly
courses this year.
There are still a small
number of places available for
the Lee Westwood Filly.
To enter a team of three,
each team playing with a
celebrity, costs just £1,200.
For those not playing golf
but wishing to attend the
dinner, tables are priced at
£5,000 for 10 people.
To book or for more
information
tel 0191 212 5140
email [email protected]
www.closehouse.com 55
CLOSE
HOUSE IN
MALLORCA
Indulge in all that’s great
about Close House in the sun
T
he Close House in Mallorca villa combines the high
standard of the Courtyard and Terrace rooms at Close
House with stunning mountain views and year-round
sunshine. This traditional villa sits above the village of
Fornalutx, while Port de Soller and its two beaches,
restaurants and bars are just a 10-minute drive away, and the
coves at Deia and Valledmossa are both within a 30-minute
drive. There are also a number of golf courses within a onehour drive and golf course booking and chauffeur service can
be provided.
Accommodation: Four double/twin bedrooms, three
bathrooms, air con, large living/dining area, kitchen, Wi-Fi,
infinity pool, terrace and alfresco dining area.
Prices: from £1,750-£3,500 per week, based on eight people
sharing (depending on the season)
For more information or to book,
tel 01661 85 22 55 or visit www.closehouse.com
For more information or to book, tel 01661 85 22 55 or visit www.closehouse.com
56 www.closehouse.com
CLOSE HOUSE | Added benefits
CLOSE
HOUSE IN
THE LAKES
Escape to the country...
O
ffering views of Loughrigg and Wansfell,
Close House in the Lakes, in a quiet spot on
the edge of the village of Ambleside, is in a
superb spot for walking, boutique shopping,
lake cruising and water sports, acclaimed
Lake District restaurants and cosy traditional pubs. Try
the renowned Glass House restaurant in a superbly
converted sawmill for a special evening out, or take
your pick from the two quirky cinemas. Zeffirellis
includes a great pizzeria and live jazz bar, while Fellinis
has an excellent vegetarian restaurant and shows films
in a relaxed studio environment.
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, private parking for up to
four cars.
Prices: from £995-£2,495 per week, based on eight
people sharing (depending on the season)
For more information or to book,
tel 01661 85 22 55 or visit www.closehouse.com
www.closehouse.com 57
OUT DRIVE THE
COMPETITION
THE STUNNING XC60
FROM £299 PER MONTH
CREDIT EXAMPLE
Mill Price
Deposit
Manufacturer
Deposit Contribution
Amount of Credit
Total Charge for Credit
Interest Rate (Fixed)
48 months at
1 Final Payment
(Guaranteed Future Value)
Total Amount Payable
Duration
Annual Mileage
£27,958.00
£3,499.00
£750.00
£23,709.00
£4,435.52
3.04%
£298.99
£13,793.00
£32,393.52
49 Months
6,000 miles
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The price is based on a XC60 DIESEL ESTATE D4 R DESIGN 5dr AWD Model Year 14. FUEL CONSUMPTION IN MPG (L/100km) Urban 47.1/6.0 Extra Urban 57.7/4.9 Combined 53.3/5.3 Emissions 139g/km.
Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Personal Contract Purchase based on customer deposit of £3,499.00, followed by 48 monthly payments of £298.99. Annual mileage of 6,000 miles, excessive
mileage cost of 14.9p (+ VAT) per mile for the first 5,000 miles applies and twice that rate thereafter. Applicant must be 18 or over. Guarantees/indemnities may be required. At the end of the Personal Contract
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CLOSE HOUSE | Shop
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#10
SHOP
STYLE
#9
Make your mark on the course by
sporting a range of beautiful
branded apparel available at the
Close House golf shop
#6
#7
#8
#1 Close House Fairway Wood Covers, £28.95 #2 Close House Jumper, £69.95 #3 Close House Poker Chip Ball Marker, £2.95 #4 Close House
Score Medallion Ball Marker, £8.95 #5 Close House Logo Druh Leather Belt, £64.95 #6 Close House Vega Wedge Golf Club, £179.95 #7 Close
House Logo Gift Box Set, £39.95 #8 Close House Pitch Mark Repairer, £3.00 #9 Close House Piel Leather Holdall, £349.95
#10 Bespoke Close House 100% Silk Tie £39.95
www.closehouse.com 59
CLOSE HOUSE | The Wee Westwood course
THE NEW PAR-THREE COURSE AT
CLOSE HOUSE BRIDGES THE GAP
FROM ACADEMY TO THE LONG GAME
ANOTHER
TROPHY FOR
CLOSE HOUSE
WEE WESTWOOD
COURSE OPENING
THIS SUMMER
The latest addition to Close House’s
excellent practice facilities opens in
summer 2014, offering experienced
players the perfect place to hone
their short game and novices the
opportunity to take the big step from
the Academy to a short course before
tackling the Lee Westwood Colt and
Lee Westwood Filly courses.
The Wee Westwood course will feature
nine holes, each modelled on one
of Harry Colt’s English golf courses.
Colt’s name is on more than 300
courses around the world and the
Lee Westwood Colt course follows
many of his design principles.
The holes on the Wee Westwood course will echo Colt’s work at Hole1 Woodhall Spa,
Hole 2 Stoke Park, Hole 3 Swinley Forest, Hole 4 Little Aston, Hole 5 Sunningdale,
Hole 6 Wentworth, Hole 7 Royal Lythmn & St Annes, Hole 8 Gullane, Hole 9 Formby
60 www.closehouse.com
Close House general
manager John Glendinning
picked up the prestigious
National Golf Manager
of the Year Award at the
59Club annual celebration
at The Belfry earlier this
year, beating managers
from some of the best golf
clubs in the world including
Wentworth, Celtic Manor,
The Belfry and Stoke Park.
“It’s a real privilege to be
recognised by my peers
with this award,” says John.
“This award is for the team
at Close House as they
help and support me on
every day. It’s fabulous that
the quality of service we
deliver to our members has
been recognised.”
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CLOSE HOUSE | Green fees
GREEN FEES 2014
Lee Westwood Colt course
Adult visitor
£110
Junior visitor
£75
Hotel resident
Member’s guest
VISITORS TO CLOSE HOUSE
ARE AFFORDED THE
SAME HIGH STANDARD OF
SERVICE AS CLOSE HOUSE
MEMBERS, WHICH MEANS
THAT EVEN AS A GUEST YOU
CAN EXPECT THE ‘MEMBER
FOR A DAY’ EXPERIENCE
Visitors are best advised to arrive in plenty
of time and head up to the Close House
Academy and Driving Range to warm up.
Then, before you head up to the first tee,
you should have a chat with the golf services
team. They have a wealth of knowledge
and are more than happy to share it. And
remember to collect your complimentary tees
and pencils and the day’s pin sheet.
62 www.closehouse.com
£75
£35
Lee Westwood Filly course
Adult visitor
£50
Junior visitor
£37.50
Hotel 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 [email protected]
*Must be booked 48 hours in advance
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EVENTS
CALENDAR
Here are just some of the
many highlights of the 2014
Close House calendar.
Visit www.closehouse.com
for more details
M AY
19
SATURDAY, MAY 31
Diamond Classic
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
TSG Trophy
SATURDAY, MAY 17
BMW Trophy
MONDAY, MAY 19
Have a Heart Celebrity event
One of the biggest events of every year
at Close House sees a cast of sports men
and women join celebrities and Close
House members for this fundraising event
in aid of the Children’s Heart Unit at the
Freeman Hospital
64 www.closehouse.com
Collingwood Trophy
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
J & J Trophy
SUNDAY, JUNE 15
Members US Open Event
FRIDAY, JULY 4
Corporate Challenge
with Lee Westwood
Your chance to join Lee Westwood
SATURDAY, JULY 5
Club Championship 1st Round
CLOSE HOUSE | Calendar
AUG
30
SEP
30
JUL
04
SUNDAY, JULY 6
Club Championship 2nd Round
& Ladies Club Championship
SATURDAY, JULY 19
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
Tiger Trophy
Put your game to the test from
the tips on the Lee Westwood
Colt course
Captain’s Day
SUNDAY, JULY 20
SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
Members British Open event
Autumn Invitation Day
SATURDAY, JULY 26
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Shepherd Offshore Trophy
Founders Day & Members Presentation
event with Lee Westwood
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10
Members USPGA Event
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Meldrum Construction Trophy
Founder members are invited to join Lee
Westwood for this special annual event
www.closehouse.com 65
CLOSE HOUSE | On the course with...
Favourite hole on the Lee Westwood
Colt course? The 16th; one of the best par-four
holes around with a testing drive through the
pine trees followed by a challenging approach to
the green behind two fantastically placed cross
bunkers with great views. Perfect!
Favourite hole on the Lee Westwood
Filly course? The 8th; a fantastic risk-and-reward
hole with great view across the valley, made even
better by the recent introduction of the water
hazard in front of the green.
Favourite course? The improvements to the Filly
course are fantastic, and it takes a lot to beat the
Colt. I love the way it makes you use every club
and tests every element of your game.
Favourite dish in No.19? Garlic and chilli king
prawns; unbelievable every time.
Best scores at Close House? 73 on the Lee
Westwood Colt and 71 on the Lee Westwood Filly.
Your favourite event in the calendar? The
CHUF Have a Heart event is superb. Plus, it
raises a huge amount of money for a great cause.
MY GOLFING LIFE...
LEE
CATTERMOLE
I
66 www.closehouse.com
t’s not unusual to find familiar faces from the
worlds of sport and entertainment at
Close House and Sunderland AFC’s Lee
Cattermole is a Close House Founder
Member. Who better to talk golf with?
Your dream fourball? Me, Sergio Garcia,
Seve Ballesteros and Close House pro Jonny
Greenwood. He’d be a help settling the nerves!
Your favourite golf clothing brand? Galvin
Green, and I can get it at the Close House shop.
How are the lessons going? I play off four and
have been working with Jonny Greenwood at the
Close House Academy and feel like I’m swinging
the club better than I ever have. My biggest
problem was playing with too much shape on my
shots, so we’ve been working on that and on my
bunker play, which has let me down for years!
Your perfect golfing day? If I’ve had a game on
a Saturday, my the perfect Sunday is an early tee
time around 8am on either the Lee Westwood
Colt or Lee Westwood Filly, followed by roast lamb
Favourite golf club?
Close House. I have been a member since the
Colt course opened in 2011 and I thought the
in No.19 while watching the afternoon’s Premier
League matches.
course was exceptional on day one. Somehow it
seems to get better every year.
BEAUTIFUL MANICURED STUNNING
PERFECT VERDANT SUMPTUOUS
PRISTINE SPECTACULAR SUPERB
ORIGINAL TOP-CLASS IMMACULATE
DISTINCTIVE EXCEPTIONAL
LUXURIOUS OUTSTANDING
DISTINCTIVE DELIGHTFUL GORGEOUS
MAGNIFICENT RESPLENDENT SUBLIME
CHALLENGING TESTING IMPRESSIVE
VISTA AMBITIOUS ASTONISHING
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