Club's driving ambition secures leading event

Jun 12 2009 by Michael Bowers, The Journal

THE North East will host a major European golf event this autumn.

And leading players are expected to be in the field when the European Long Drive Golf Championships take place from September 11 to 13.

The event will be held at the Close House Hotel at Heddon on the Wall, Northumberland, where owner Graham Wylie, founder of the Sage group, has spent £7m improving the facilities.

Managing director Neil Hodgson said: “I am thrilled to be hosting this event at Close House Hotel. Admission is free for the whole family and the Sunday climax will undoubtedly be something special.”

John Glendinning, who looks after golfing facilities at the hotel, said: “Why shouldn’t the North East play host to a major European event? We are all delighted and can’t wait for the event to take place.”