Heddon-on-the-Wall,
Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland NE15 0HT
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Visit websiteGolf pro
Several PGA Teaching Professionals.Academy
The Close House Golf Academy & Driving RangeThe Course:
18 holes. Mainly open parkland. Colt course: undulating terrain, several slopes to climb, hilly. Filly course: relatively flat terrain, easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Woodland and open rural countryside.
Designer:
Colt course: Scott Macpherson (2011), influenced by some of the design principles of Harry Colt.
Filly course: originally Newcastle University's nine-hole course (1964), extended to 18 by Martin Hawtree, Steve Cram & John Glendinning (1980s), and refurbished by Scott Macpherson (2011).
Above distances are for the Colt course. Also at Close House is the 18-hole Filly course (par-70; 6012 yds from back tees; rating 70.4), and the nine-hole Yearling pitch & putt course (par-27; 466 yds).
54.987538
-1.805105
1 mi W of Heddon-on-the-Wall / 10 mi W of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Close House
Close House quietly sits alongside the River Tyne in rural Northumberland, just 10 miles from the centre of Newcastle. Much transformed from its earlier existence as a former Newcastle University facility, Close House now includes top-quality accommodation and dining, two Lee Westwood-endorsed 18-hole golf courses (Colt and Filly), and a fully-equipped golf academy.
The championship and rather hilly Colt course, is complemented by the easier-going, shorter and much flatter Filly layout. The Colt is a modern and predominantly open parkland course, which at times exudes a distinctly heathland/moorland air. Integrated into its design are themes taken from the work of the great Harry Colt. Rectangular tees, wrinkly-edged stylish bunkering and a wonderfully varied collection of par-3s all tip their hat to England's legendary course architect.
The well-presented layout exudes a linksy openness, with fairways frequently lined by tall wispy fescues. Only occasionally do you play through tree-lined stretches, while water hazards are sparingly used.
Variety is guaranteed with the terrain's natural undulations demanding a mix of shots, some played uphill, others down, and a few (at the beginning and end) on slightly more level ground. Each hole faces a different direction than the one before, an ever-challenging factor should the wind be blowing. Where some holes provide generous width landing areas, others like the par-4 1st, 11th, 15th and 16th, give you testingly tight fairways to hit.
From this pleasantly undulating layout you'll enjoy many scenic views onto the surrounding Northumberland countryside and the River Tyne. Although the river is but a short distance away, you'll not play alongside it on the Colt course. A few holes on the Filly course get closer to the northeast's most famous river, separated from it by a small margin of woodland.
Pick of the holes: the long, "Redan-style" par-3 4th presents quite a challenge, as does the "through the gap" uphill par-4 11th, played to the highest and most scenic point on the course. (There's an old Roman fort to the left of this hole). On both the Colt and Filly courses you'll finish with approach shots onto greens protected by dry stone walls and water in close attendance ... on the Colt course a statuesque rearing stallion also plays its part!
Stay&Play at Close House: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Contact club for full details, discounts, Stay&Play packages, etc. [Last updated: 2026].
Many players walk this quite hilly course, while many others opt for golf carts. Golf carts and/or caddies available for hire (should be booked in advance).
Excellent
The impressive Close House mansion was built in 1779 for the private use of the Bewicke family. Sitting above and in view of the Filly course, the stately house remains a private residence to this day. Many centuries prior to its construction, the Roman Army roamed this land. In fact, the world famous ‘Hadrians Wall’ built by the Romans between England and Scotland, almost abuts Close House's Colt course.
Created for the use of Newcastle University staff and students, the original nine-hole golf course (now integrated into the Filly course) dates from 1964. Nowadays, Close House's much expanded facilities offer luxury Stay&Play accommodation, the No.19 bar & restaurant, two Lee Westwood endorsed 18-hole golf courses, and a fully-equipped golf academy & driving range.
Close House's Colt course has played host to European (DP World) Tour and European Senior Tour events.
Heddon-on-the-Wall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 0HT.
+44 (0)1661 852 255
Visit website16 luxury Courtyard suites provide excellent high-quality accommodation at Close House, ideal for relaxing after your round on the golf courses. Dining is provided in Close House’s No.19 restaurant, a contemporary and state-of-the-art facility. The accommodation options also include The Lodge (former gatehouse), The Pavilion (cottage, and former cricket pavilion) and the more recently introduced Terrace rooms.
Close House (Colt and Filly courses)
No
Northumberland GC; Hexham; Slaley Hall.
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