GOLFERS were joined by famous faces at Close House in their bid to qualify for this year's British Masters.

Due to take place at the Heddon-on-the-Wall golf course from July 22-25, the British Masters is the first of six European Tour events in its UK Swing programme.

Amateur golfers hoping to qualify for the tournament rubbed shoulders with former Newcastle captain Alan Shearer, former Sunderland and Middlesbrough player Lee Cattermole and Sam Westwood, son of club professional and former world number one Lee Westwood, on Monday.

Head professional at Hexham Golf Club, Andy Paisley, posted a +2 score.

Posting on Twitter, he said: "Well done @CloseHouseGolf for arranging a great day in difficult circumstances.

"Not quite there today for me, but +2 wasn't too bad!"

The winner of the 18-hole competition will earn the chance to play in the tournament later this month.