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 OR TEXTURED PATTERN, MONOCHROME IS THE EPITOME OF 2014’S POLISHED STYLE Black and white comes in many forms for spring/summer 2014, and print remains a big style statement following its popularity last season. Textured and layered prints work beautifully in monochrome for the ultimate in polished style. Models: Tamzin and Lee from Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Hair: Michelle Fowler Clothes: Fenwick, Northumberland Street, Newcastle, NE99 1AR tel 0191 232 5100, www.fenwick.co.uk 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 Professional Insurance Broking & Risk Management Services Everything you need is right here in black and white Excellent Service is the key to our success Commercial Business Insurance tailored to your needs “A Top 100 Independent Broker” “Insurance Age” Consistent growth, primarily through client recommendation. Experience & Expertise. Knowledge & Professionalism. At your service. Todd & Cue Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority www.toddcue.com [email protected] 0191 4820050 toddcueinsurance @toddcue todd-&-cue-insurance PRINT • ERASE • RE-USE with UNITED CARLTON and the NEW Toshiba e-studio 306LP Print Print and copy with erasable toner Scan Digitisc documents for electronic archiving Be kind to the environment and reduce your paper costs with this revolutionary solution from Toshiba. demonstration, contact United Carlton, the Erase Re-use Erase the print to allow re-use of paper Scan Scan paper into resusable and non-reusable 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 APR Representative VOLVO XC60 DIESEL ESTATE D4 R DESIGN 5DR AWD 5.9% VOLVO CARS NORTH EAST Mill Newcastle Mill Sunderland Mill Stockton Mill Harrogate Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE15 6BZ Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HR Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton TS18 3SG St James Retail Park, Knaresborough HG5 8PY @millvolvo millvolvo www.millvolvo.co.uk Tel: 0800 612 4715 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 Purchase there are three options: (1) Part exchange the vehicle, where equity is available (2) Pay the GFV (Guaranteed Future Value) to own the vehicle or (3) Return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle. Santander Consumer (UK) plc T/A Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. Car featured for illustration purposes only. Ends 30/6/2014. 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.” For an introduction to sound investments from the region’s No.1 ...meet Lorraine. A trusted member of our highly regarded team, Lorraine has been guiding and advising clients in the North East for over 15 years. Lorraine can devise a bespoke investment portfolio for you, which will meet your personal objectives and may deliver the balance between risk and return. To meet Lorraine face-to-face and discuss investments, please call her on 0191 279 7534 or email [email protected] Time Central, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4SR www.brewin.co.uk/newcastle Proud sponsors of The value of your 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). 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 The new BMW 4 Series Convertible Lloyd Newcastle The Ultimate Driving Machine FROM THE HEART TO THE ROAD. THE NEW BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE. This is more than just a hard top convertible. It’s a convertible with innovative technologies for extra comfort and ease. With more practicality than you expect, even with the top down. And with superior driving dynamics that give you control. 0191 2617366 or visit www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk. Lloyd Newcastle www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. 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 PLAY EAT STAY COME AND PLAY THE WORLD’S ONLY LEE WESTWOOD GOLF COURSES Heddon on the Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0HT www.closehouse.com
© Copyright 2024