Lee Westwood is set to return to competitive play at his local club, Close House, later this summer when the former world No. 1 player shines at the AFC International event in England from August 17-20.
Westwood leads a group of 10 LIV golfers who are set to join the course at Newcastle Place, as the Asian Tour breaks new ground.
Despite being born and raised in Worksop, Westwood moved to the North East several years ago and built a long-term partnership with Close House as their professional touring attachment, hosting the British Masters when the tournament was played at the club in 2017 and again in 2020. He played a leading role in the design of the club’s Colt Stadium, which would stage the event.
Westwood said: “I’ve had the privilege of playing at home in championship situations before, there’s really nothing like it. The local excitement builds up nicely with the confirmation of some players. The people of Northumberland have embraced me since I made my home there. Their passion for sport is unparalleled and the pitch will feel The full thing is that during championship week – it’s going to be massive.”
Westwood is joined by 2018 Masters champion Patrick Reed, 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell and PIF Saudi International victor of the year Abraham Unser. Like Ancer, McDowell will be looking to improve on his one Asian Tour win, which is back in 2008 in South Korea.
Seven-time Asian Tour winner and golfer Anirban Lahiri will also be making his second International Series appearance of the year, after finishing second at the Vietnam event in April.
Spaniard Eugenio Chakara and American Jason Cocrack also return to the International Series after participating in the first event on the 2023 Asian Tour schedule in Oman. Meanwhile, England’s Richard Bland, USA’s Brendan Steele and South Africa’s Dean Burmester will take part.
Marking the halfway point of the 2023 International Series season, the event at Close House will be pivotal for players looking to climb The International Series OOM, currently driven by two-time International Series winner Andy Augletter.
As expected, there is already fierce competition to finish in the top 32 at the end of the season. On this turn, the player in first place will bat their ticket directly to the 2024 LIV Golf League, while the 31 remaining players will secure entry to the LIV Golf Promotions Event to compete for three other places.
Tickets for The International Series England are now available from See tickets With prices from £10 and free entry for under 16s when entering with a paying adult.