STAGE

a golf event in the North East of England in late September and you would think you’d be struggling to attract players outside those who form the European Tour’s chorus line. It is surely a fulsome tribute to the tournament host Lee Westwood, therefore, that this week’s British Masters at Close House, near Newcastle, will also possess a healthy sprinkling of stardust. Would the Masters champion Sergio Garcia really have flown direct from Atlanta and the Tour Championship on Sunday night if not for the fact his old Ryder Cup sparring partner was running the show? Would Rory McIlroy be in attendance if this was just another autumnal pit stop on the European Tour? There are plenty more of Westwood’s old Ryder Cup team-mates showing up as well, such as Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer, together with plenty of fellow Englishmen who looked up to him growing up, like 2016 BMW PGA Championship winner Chris Wood, Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick. Gratifyingly, therefore, what we’re about to witness is a fitting celebration of Westwood’s enormous contribution over the years to European golf.