Lee Westwood has officially opened the new PGA Golf Academy at Close House in Newcastle.
The 42-year-old Ryder Cup star, who is Close House’s touring professional, was on hand to unveil the brand new facility, which offers a floodlit driving range, designated long and short game practice areas, a SAM PuttLab analysis system, and a custom-fitting centre.
The opening also coincided with the fifth annual Have a Heart charity golf event, which this year raised in excess of £350,000 for the Children’s Heart Unit Fund. A host of celebrities from the worlds of racing, golf, television and sport played a round of golf on Close House’s Colt Course and then enjoyed a gala dinner and auction.
Speaking at the launch, the PGA’s joint chief operating officer, Robert Maxfield, said: “The new PGA Academy at Close House is a fantastic addition to the family of PGA-branded golf academies and courses around the world, including The PGA’s headquarters at The Belfry and the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles. The academy reinforces the relationship between The PGA and Close House, whose vision under Graham Wylie’s leadership is set to become one of the finest golf facilities in the UK.”
A team of PGA qualified professionals will be based on site to deliver all aspects of tuition, providing access to the latest technology in golf swing analysis, including the GASP Lab video system and the Explanar training system.
Close House’s owner, Graham Wylie, said: “This is an exciting new addition to the facilities, and means we are now able to offer the latest teaching technologies to those wanting to learn and improve. We are passionate about providing the best possible golfing experience for both our members and our visitors, and the opening of the new academy will enable our instructors to deliver tuition through the use of the very best facilities.”
Close House boasts two 18-hole courses, the 6,813-yard Colt and the 6,000-yard Filly. Next month sees the Colt play host to the 2015 ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship, which takes place June 11-14. To register for free tickets visit, www.closehouse.com.