Westwood set for star turn as Close House hosts International Series England

Lee Westwood is set to return to competitive action at his home club, Close House, later this summer when the former world no.1 tees it up at the Asian Tour’s International Series England event from August 17-20.

Westwood spearheads a group of 10 LIV golfers who are set to join the field at the Newcastle venue, as the Asian Tour breaks new ground.

Despite being born and raised in Worksop, Westwood moved to the north-east a number of years ago and struck up a long-standing partnership with Close House as its attached tour professional, hosting the British Masters when the tournament was held at the club in 2017 and again in 2020. He also played a leading role in the design of the club’s Colt Course, which will stage the event.

Westwood said: “I’ve had the privilege of playing at home in tournament situations before, and there is truly nothing quite like it. Local excitement is building nicely with some of the players confirmed. I’ve been embraced by the people of Northumberland since I set up home there. Their passion for sport is unrivalled and the full field will feel that during the tournament week – the atmosphere will be tremendous.”

Joining Westwood are 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell and this year’s PIF Saudi International victor Abraham Ancer. Like Ancer, McDowell will be looking to improve on a single Asian Tour career victory, which came back in 2008 in South Korea.

Seven-time Asian Tour winner and LIV Golf player Anirban Lahiri will also make his second International Series appearance of the year, following an impressive runner-up finish at the Vietnam event back in April.

Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra and American Jason Kokrak also make International Series returns after teeing it up in the first event on the Asian Tour’s 2023 schedule in Oman. Meanwhile, England’s Richard Bland, Brendan Steele of the United States and South Africa’s Dean Burmester will make their debuts.

Signalling the halfway point of The International Series 2023 season, the event at Close House will be pivotal for players looking to climb The International Series OOM, currently led by the only two-time International Series winner Andy Ogletree.

As expected, there is already fierce competition to finish within the top 32 places come the end of the season. At that juncture, the player in the no.1 position will punch his ticket directly to the 2024 LIV Golf League, while the remaining 31 players will secure entry into the LIV Golf Promotions Event to vie for three further places up for grabs.

Tickets to The International Series England are available now from SeeTickets with prices starting from £10 and free admission for under-16s when entering with a paying adult.

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