Graham Wylie has announced that Gleneagles Head Golf Pro and Head of Golf Operations Russell Smith is to become the new Director of Golf at Close House.
Surprising the golf world earlier this year with the announcement that world renowned golfer Lee Westwood was to be his Attached Tour Professional, entrepreneur Graham Wylie takes his next step into making his privately owned golf club and hotel at Close House in Northumberland, the best in the North of England and beyond.
Wylie’s latest strategic move in his ten year plan for this exciting venue, is to take on Gleneagles Head Golf Pro and Head of Golf Operations Russell Smith as his new Director of Golf at Close House. The thinking is all about bringing top golf management skills to his already loyal and forward thinking team.
Wylie quotes: “I am delighted to formally announce the appointment of Russell Smith as Director of Golf at Close House. Russell is the former Head Golf Pro and head of Golf Operations at Gleneagles golf course inScotland- and this is a major coup for the North of England.
“There is no doubt that his experience in running an extremely high profile, large golf club will perfectly complement General Manager John Glendinning’s experience. John has worked hard to bring to fruition the completion of the state of the art glass clubhouse (No 19), championship Colt Course, cutting edge golf academy and driving range, all launched in May this year.
“Their combined skills, enthusiasm and experience will take Close House to the position of top golf venue in the North of England. Our heavyweight team, steeped in golf, combined with the appointment of Lee Westwood as our Attached Tour Professional earlier this year, gives Close House a truly unique edge across the UK and beyond.”
New Director of Golf Russell Smith, who will take up his post later this year said: “I feel the time is right for me to make a change in my career and I am looking forward to the extra responsibility of being a director at Close House. I shall enjoy the challenge of building on the firm foundations laid by the golf team there.”
State-of-the-art glass clubhouse ‘No 19’ was officially opened by Lee Westwood at Wylie’s high profile celebrity golf day in May 2011, after the successful completion of the championship ‘Colt’ Course designed by Scott MacPherson.
This along with a cutting edge Golf Academy and Driving Range with the absolute latest equipment. The former stable block adjacent to the stunningly beautiful 18th Century Georgian House that is Close House Hotel has also recently been converted into a further eleven individually designed suites named after famous iconic golf courses. The location is perfectly located close to Newcastle International Airport to bring keen golfers from around theUKand beyond. There is also a helicopter landing area already regularly used by hotel guests and golfers alike.
Close House www.closehouse.co.uk