THE attachment of Lee Westwood adds lustre to The Journal Champion of Champions, with Close House staging the event for the first time this year.

It is a free to enter tournament which will be played on the Colt Course – which Westwood said yesterday he rates as good enough to host a major.

Golf manager John Glendinning has already announced each Champions player will be eligible for a free practice round during the two weeks leading up to the tournament date of September 4.

After signing his contract with Close House, Westwood told yesterday’s press conference: “It is a bonus that I have become attached to the very club which is hosting the 2011 Journal Champion of Champions – an event many other regions in the UK envy.

“To invite every club champion in Northumberland and Durham County – plus the elite county players of both counties – to compete against each other is the recipe for a highly memorable tournament.

“I am told the first player to win the Journal Champions – 43 years ago – was Doug McClelland from the South Shields club, who went on to enjoy success on the European Tour.

“That tells you all you need to know about the tradition of the tournament. I’m sure it’s going to be a huge success.”

Asked if the Colt was good enough for the European Tour, Westwood said: “The facilities are fantastic, so they have what it takes in that respect. It could even stage a major.”

Wylie said: “I am keen on hosting a Seniors or European Tour event in the future and now, with Lee on board, he will be able to give us some great advice. He will help us make the course an even greater challenge for the world’s top golfers.”

TO see Lee Westwood’s hole-by-hole guide to the Colt Course, visit www.closehouse.co.uk