THE team behind the return of the a prestigious golf event to the Tyne Valley has shared its delight at the event being given the green light to still go ahead this summer.

The prestigious British Masters golf tournament will return to Close House, at Heddon-on-the-Wall, this year without spectators. 

The first tournament in the European Tour’s ‘UK Swing’ programme, it will be played on July 22 to July 25 - a week earlier than originally scheduled - and hosted by former world number one Lee Westwood.

“We’re delighted it’s going ahead,” said Sir Graham Wylie, the owner of Close House. 

“We have been working closely with the European Tour for the past three to four months and at no point did they think about cancelling the event, but as it came more and more serious we knew that if we were going ahead we had to ensure the safety of everyone.”

The European Tour has enforced several restrictions to ensure the safe return of professional golf. The event will be played behind closed doors, but broadcast by Sky Sports.

Sir Graham said: “The ticket sales were ahead of schedule and we had a big Pro-Am and charity event organised, but safety has to come first. Even today the club house and facilities aren’t open. 

“It will still be great for the region as there will be some stunning pictures of the area and the fact it’s the first live golf event back.”

“The course is looking magnificent and all the members have been really enjoying it.”

Close House will benefit from a £50,000 donation from the European Tour as part of the event. 

"It will still be great for the region still as there will be some stunning pictures of the area and it being the first live golf event back," Sir Graham added.  

"Everyone is keen to watch live golf again. 

"The ticket sales were ahead of schedule and we had a big Pro-Am organised and a charity event, but safety has to come first even today the club house and facilities aren’t open."