After taking on the picturesque par 10th hole, the guys will be faced with one of the most interesting par fours on the course, at the 11th, where the tee shot over the lake is one of the most demanding on the course. Accuracy is key here, so aim for the tallest trees with a slight draw to find the left side of the fairway. Despite measuring only 373 yards par is a good score here. The par four 12th features a dog-leg through a corridor of trees, so the key to this hole is to get around the corner in the first place.
The final three hole stretch is interesting, with 16 playing uphill and featuring a landing area that has been reduced by 50% with the addition of two new bunkers. The green is one of the most undulating on the course, so make sure you give your putt plenty of thought. The penultimate hole is a classic risk and reward hole, which can play completely differently depending on the win. Played downwind the players might choose to take on the green from the re-positioned tee box, with a two-tiered green affording breathtaking views across the Tyne Valley.
The final hole is a par three, which will keep things interesting and cause plenty of drama on Sunday. You’ll want to take more than a one shot lead to this hole, with it being the longest and hardest of the par threes at Close House. The wind here often blows across this hole, making it play half a club longer than its yardage. Avoiding the bunkers at the front of the green is a must, while if you’re playing cautiously a miss to the left is the safest option.
So there you have it, 18 holes at the fine Close House Golf Club, which I’m sure will be the perfect host for an entertaining British Masters supported by Sky Sports.
