LEE Westwood has backed North-East sports fans to get behind a star-studded field at this year’s British Masters.

The prestigious event, which dates back to 1946, will take place at Close House, near Heddon-on-the-Wall, from July 30 to August 2.

It is the second time the venue, owned by Sir Graham Wylie, has welcomed the event since 2017. And just as he did three years ago, Westwood, who is Close House’s touring professional, will take the role of tournament host.

The Ryder Cup player said he had been captured by the enthusiasm for sport in the North-East, regardless whether it be for golf, football, or running.

“I’m sure it will be well supported again and there will be another great atmopshere,” he said.

“Whether it is the football team or the Great North Run, they always come out in their droves up there. It makes a massive difference if there are a lot of people there creating an atmopshere.”

Westwood finished tied for 15th when the British Masters last took place at Close House, and he’s looking to do even better this time after a good start to 2020, winning the season’s first Rolex Series event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January.

“Winning in Abu Dhabi was great,” said Westwood. “I didn’t really know what to expect going into the week. I hadn’t really practised that much but I got my game together and pretty sharp very quickly.

“I played well and controlled my emotions well and felt comfortable on the golf course and started holing some putts. It was nice to be out there relaxed with things going my way.”

For ticket information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/betfred-british-masters-2020-tickets-61615091397?aff=ETWebsiteSchedulePage.