Close House in Heddon-on-the-Wall has previously hosted the British Masters and is frequent haunt of celebrities
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his second shot on the 16th hole during day four of the British Masters at Close House Golf Club in 2017(Image: Getty Images)
A golf club that claims to be the top destination in the region for a round, and often hosts celebrities, has pledged to continue investing in its facilities. Close House at Heddon-on-the-Wall has previously hosted the British Masters and is frequent haunt of stars such as Ant and Dec and Alan Shearer.
The 500 acre estate, owned by Sage co-founder and multi-millionaire businessman Graham Wylie, has just filed accounts in which it hailed a more than 12% rise in turnover thanks to good weather spurring players to take to the fairways. In documents filed at Companies House, the sporting business said turnover reach £5.9m in the year to the end of September, up from £5.3m the year before, as operating profits increased to £475,449 from £375,301.
Bosses at the venue – which features the “world’s only” Lee Westwood courses, accommodation and restaurant – say they are continuing to invest to secure Close House’s place as “the leading golf destination in the region”. Current spending is focused on improving the bunkers at its 18-hole championship Colt Course, including drainage and maintenance features.
Meanwhile the Close House Academy – where golfers can hone their game using ball tracking technology and performance data equipment – saw a 15.6% increase in turnover, thanks partly to investment in the facilities that doubled the number of covered bays to 20. The work was completed in June 2025 and brought in more players as a result.
Close House frequently hosts charity events, including the “Have a Heart” programme in aid of the Sir Graham Wylie Foundation, which has attracted notable figures from the worlds of sports, entertainment and business including the likes of Ant and Dec, Alan Shearer, and Ronan Keating. The venue’s 18-hole Colt Championship and Filly courses were designed by professional golfer Lee Westwood and architect Scott Macpherson.
No.19 Clubhouse at Close House, Heddon-on-the-Wall(Image: Close House)
The estate’s Grade II listed building was originally opened by Sir Graham as a country house to host weddings and conferences, with the golf business following later. In 2014 the decision was taken to close the property and convert it to a private house – with accommodation now available in The Pavilion and The Lodge on site.
Writing in the accounts, Mr Wylie said: “During the past year Close House Golf Club Limited (Close House) has continued to produce positive results during this financial period. The directors were happy with the 12.2% increase in turnover.
“Throughout the year the business benefitted from strong membership retention and favourable weather which led to increased levels of play across both golf courses.”
He added: “2025/26 financial year has started in a positive manner, and the directors are hopeful for continued growth thanks to the outstanding facilities available across the estate.”
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