Local golfers set to tee it up alongside world stars at Close House Golf Club

Golfers from the North-East of England will take on some of the biggest names in the sport when The International Series heads to Close House Golf Club later this month.

Players from the LIV Tour and Asian Tour will tee it up alongside local qualifiers at the prestigious English venue from August 17-20, with a prize fund of $2 million up for grabs. The field includes former World Number One and Close House attached professional, Lee Westwood, as well as 2018 Masters champion, Patrick Reed, and previous US Open winner, Graeme McDowell.

Adding to the draw for spectators will be the presence of talented local players such as James Wilson who has particularly close ties to Close House having been spotted as a youngster by the club’s Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton.

Speaking about the importance of having home grown golfers involved in such a prestigious event, Lupton commented: “We are delighted to welcome the International Series to Close House, with some of the biggest names in golf present. However, we’re also excited to highlight the local talent that we produce in the North-East and give them a platform to compete in such a prestigious event.

“I have personal connections with several players and know how hard they have worked to get to this point. We hope that the community will come out and support the local players put on a great display of golf.”

Lupton has played a big part in the development of local juniors, with the former PGA Pro having run primary school taster sessions to help get more children into the game. The sessions, held at The Walbottle Academy, are still going strong and have helped to bring through several successful players.

In 2010 Lupton spotted a young Wilson, who could see had tremendous talent and potential. Lupton took him under his wing where he thrived at Close House over the next 10 years, becoming a very talented golfer before starting his PGA training at Tyneside Golf Club. Wilson shot a two-under-par 70 in The International Series qualifier to claim a spot in this month’s event.

Other notable local golfers that will feature in the tournament Rhys Thompson who represents local golf club Slaley Hall and shot a bogey-free 68 in the local qualifier to take one of six spots available. Additionally, former world boys champion and Challenge Tour winner Simon Robinson will make an appearance at Close House after receiving a tournament invite.

Tickets to the event are available to purchase from the See Tickets website, with prices starting at £10 for adults and free for U16s when entering with a paying adult. Spectators are welcome to watch the Pro-Am on August 16^th as well as the official tournament days. They can also enjoy the fan village and hospitality tents throughout the week. For more information click here https://closehouse.com/pr/international-series-england-official-venue-2023/.