Teeing Off at Close House: The Crown Jewel of Northern Golf
Tucked away in the serene Tyne Valley, just a mere seven miles from Newcastle's bustling city center, Close House Hotel offers a sublime golf experience that has swiftly gained national recognition. Not just a tranquil retreat, this 250-year-old estate boasts the distinction of having the UK's only Lee Westwood-designed golf courses. Among them, the Colt Course stands out, featuring a spot in the UK's top 100 golf courses. A sweeping 18-hole journey through meticulously groomed parkland, this course is a testament to design sophistication and playability, offering a rewarding experience to golfers of varying skill levels.
The Colt Course is not alone in its acclaim. Sharing the limelight is the Lee Westwood Filly Course. Re-designed and unveiled anew in 2013, this course serves as a delightful counterpart to the Colt. What the Filly Course lacks in length, at just 6,034 yards, it compensates for in strategy. Thirty-two carefully placed bunkers challenge golfers to remain accurate while navigating this picturesque course. The undulating greens serve as another layer of complexity, demanding proficiency in putting. It's no surprise that the course has already been the venue for several PGA professional events.
Yet, the offerings of Close House do not end with just these stellar courses. The estate also presents a nine-hole Yearling course, providing an ideal setting for quick rounds or practice sessions. Beyond the greens, the Golf Academy at Close House is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a putting lab and top tracer tech. It offers custom fitting of golf clubs, ensuring that players have every opportunity to refine their game. This feature-rich academy makes Close House not merely a destination but a comprehensive golfing ecosystem.
Of course, no discussion about Close House would be complete without mentioning its top-tier amenities. From its bar and restaurant to rooms for hire, the clubhouse serves as a lavish setting for relaxation after a day on the links. Corporate events are effortlessly catered to, and with a pro shop that offers a wide range of services from tuition to custom fitting, golfers find little reason to venture elsewhere. Coupled with its on-site B&B accommodations, Close House effortlessly marries world-class golf with quintessential British luxury, making it one of the must-visit golfing locales in the UK.
