British Masters 2017: Everything you need to know as golfing spectacular heads to Northumberland

Lee Westwood will host the British Masters at Close House Credit: British Masters

The British Masters is coming to the North East, bringing with it a host of star names of golf, competing for a £3m prize fund.

It's estimated 50,000 people will flock to Northumberland's Close House to see the 140 players compete over four days. The winner will take home £500,000.

Here is everything you need to know about one of sport's most prestigious events:

When and where is it taking place?

The British Masters returns to the North East for the first time in 45 years from Thursday September 28 to Sunday October 1.

Northumberland's Close House is hosting it for the first time.

There is a Hero Challenge on the Tuesday at 7:30pm featuring eight players taking part in a one-hole challenge under the lights, including Masters champion Sergio Garcia and 21-time European Tour winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez.

The full list is:

  • Sergio Garcia

  • Miguel Ángel Jiménez

  • Matthew Fitzpatrick

  • Danny Willett

  • Ross Fisher

  • Lee Westwood

  • Martin Kaymer

  • Bernd Wiesberger

The Hero Challenge line-up Credit: British Masters

On the Wednesday there will be a Hero Pro-Am event featuring a number of celebrities.

ITV presenter Jeremy Kyle has been confirmed as guest starter while a NUFC team made up of former footballers will take on ex-pros from Liverpool FC. Celebrities confirmed so far are Les Ferdinand, Andrew Cole and Steve Harper for Newcastle, while Robbie Fowler, Jason McAteer and Kenny Dalglish will star for Liverpool.

Other celebrities include:

  • Gaz from Geordie Shore

  • Chris Hughes from Love Island

  • Brian McFadden

  • Keith Duff

  • John O'Shea

  • Lee Cattermole

  • Dan Walker

  • AP McCoy

  • Ruby Walsh

History of the British Masters:

The British Masters is one of the leading professional tournaments on the European Tour and was first held in 1946.

Scotland's Jimmy Adams and Bobby Locke, from South Africa, tied to take first place.

In 1967 it made British TV history when the first live hole in one was caught on camera. Tony Jacklin aced the 16th hole at Royal St George's.

Winners down the years include Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Seve Ballestero, Sir Nick Faldo and Sam Torrance.

Former World Number One Lee Westwood lifted the famous trophy in 2007 at the Belfry. He is now the touring professional golfer attached to Close House and will be hosting the 2017 British Masters.

Star names from golf are taking part in the British Masters at Close House Credit: PA

Who is taking part?

Three former World Number Ones will be among the star names taking part with Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and tournament host Lee Westwood all confirmed.

Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter and Masters champion Sergio Garcia are also heading to Northumberland.

Other golfers confirmed so far are:

  • Miguel Angel Jiménez

  • Russell Knox

  • Shane Lowry

  • Alex Noren

  • Martin Kaymer

  • Ross Fisher

  • Matthew Fitzpatrick

  • Tyrrell Hatton

  • Danny Willett

  • Chris Wood

Lee Westwood will host the British Masters at Close House Credit: British Masters

How much are the tickets?

Tickets vary between £20 and £40 depending on the day. Under 16s are free if accompanied by an adult.

Concessions are available for 16 - 21 year-olds and over 60s.

Tickets for the Hero Challenge on Tuesday are free. Tickets for Wednesday's Pro-Am event are £15.

All ticket info here

How can I get there?

Traffic is expected to be heavy during the British Masters with a number of road closures in place:

  • B6528 Hexham Road from Heddon on the Wall to the Holeyn Hall Road junction.

  • U8209 Bluebell Lane, in Wylam.

Full diversion routes will be in place and signposted. Roads will be closed on September 26 from 2:30pm - to 10pm and from 6am on September 27 to 11pm on October 1. The closures could be extended to October 2 should the event overrun.

Here is a guide to getting there:

BY CAR:There is limited public parking at Close House.Anyone driving should use the sat nav postcode NE41 8BL.

BY BUS:Go North East is putting on a regular bus service from Newcastle City Centre across the five days of the competition.

The MG1 service will leave from opposite Newcastle Central Station (Bewick Street stop); St Andrew’s Church, on Newgate Street (for Monument Metro Station and Eldon Square Bus Station) and Barras Bridge (for Haymarket Metro & Bus Station) and then run non-stop via the A69 to Close House.

The first bus leaves at 6.30am and there will be regular departures until 11am, with buses returning from Close House from 2pm until 6.30pm on each day.

Buses will run up to every 15 minutes for the celebrity Pro-Am competition, on Wednesday September 27 and up to every 10 minutes for the days of the British Masters.

Return fares will be £6 for anyone 19 or over and £1 each way for people aged 18 and under. Concessionary travel is not available.

BY TRAIN:The nearest railway station is at Wylam, 1.5 miles away, or Newcastle Central Station 10 miles away.Book tickets via National Rail here