WORLD number 11 golfer Alex Noren will head to Tynedale looking to defend his British Masters crown.

For the Swede, who claimed a two shot victory at The Grove in 2016, has confirmed he will look for back-to-back titles when the Masters heads to Close House, at Heddon-on-the-Wall next month.

He is the second big name announced for the event following Masters champion and world number five Sergio Garcia.

Noren, who won four European Tour tournaments last year, added the BMW PGA Championship to his bow in May.

And now he is hoping for another British win when the Masters takes place at Close House between September 28 and October 1.

He said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing in Britain, and in front of the British fans. I won the Scottish Open as well as the British Masters last year and then won at Wentworth earlier this year, so I’ve had some success in Britain and it would be nice to play well again.

“It’s set to be a good field with Sergio playing and Lee hosting, so it should be a great week."