10,000 free tickets available for the British Masters at Close House

Tournament host Lee Westwood announces free tickets for Sky Sports Thursday at this year's British Masters Tournament host Lee Westwood announces free tickets for Sky Sports Thursday at this year's British Masters

New and existing golf fans will once again be able to watch some of the world’s leading golfers for free in the opening round of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports thanks to the return of ‘Sky Sports Thursday’.

The tickets will be available here on a first come, first served basis from 9am on Friday March 3, with tickets for all four rounds available to buy on general sale from 9am on Monday March 6.

Prices for tournament days start from just £15 and the early-bird discount offers run until April 28, offering significant savings on gate admission.

Sky Sports Thursday was a hugely popular part of the British Masters at Woburn in 2015 and at The Grove in 2016.

Westwood, who succeeds Ian Poulter and Luke Donald in the host role, is encouraging people of all golfing backgrounds to take advantage of the initiative when the tournament heads to the north east of England for the first time.

Westwood finished three strokes off the pace at The Grove

"I am delighted that with the help of Sky Sports and the European Tour we are able to make 10,000 free tickets available for the opening round at Close House as part of Sky Sports Thursday," Westwood said.

"The British Masters really has become the 'people's tournament' over the last couple of years and with the tickets being available this year on a first come, first served basis it means everyone has the opportunity to come along, particularly if they haven't been to a golf tournament before.

"The people in the north east love their sport, and we've already had a lot of interest in the tournament, so I'm sure we will get some great support at Close House in September."

Close House hosts the event for the first time

Westwood, who has been Close House's touring professional since 2011, won the British Masters in the tournament's first spell on the European Tour, claiming the title at The Belfry in 2007.

He then narrowly missed out on successfully defending the title 12 months later when he lost in a play-off to Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño, before finishing third at The Grove last year.

Alex Noren claimed a two-shot victory at last year's event, with Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick winning at Woburn Golf Club in 2015.

Noren's British Masters victory was the third of four wins in 2016

Hospitality packages are also available for this year's event. Prices for The Colt Pavilion, which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House, start at £275 + VAT per person. For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 email enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com or visit www.europeantourtickets.com.

Watch the British Masters supported by Sky Sports from September 28-October 1 live on Sky Sports - your home of golf