Close House will once again take centre stage in junior golf in 2026 as it hosts both a qualifying event and the grand final of the PING Junior Masters.

The award winning Northumberland club, recently recognised as Junior Golf Programme of the Year, continues its long standing commitment to creating meaningful competitive opportunities for aspiring golfers.

The 2026 series is set to eclipse previous years. It will feature nine qualifying events across seven counties before culminating in a full tour experience final on Close House’s Championship Colt Course on 27 October 2026.

Each qualifying event will be played off nett scores. This ensures accessibility and gives a broader range of junior golfers the opportunity to progress to the grand final.

From every venue, two boys and one girl from the Under 12, Under 15 and Under 18 categories will earn their place in the final. The result will be a diverse and inclusive field representing clubs nationwide.

Backed by PING Europe and Lee Westwood

Originally launched in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House, the PING Junior Masters has grown into one of the UK’s most exciting and accessible junior series.

Backed by PING Europe and supported by former Ryder Cup star and Close House Attached Tour Professional Lee Westwood, the event offers young golfers a taste of elite competition in a professional tournament setting.

“Since we launched the Junior Masters in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House the programme has gone from strength to strength,” said Westwood.

“I am immensely proud of how it has evolved, providing young golfers the chance to compete at some fantastic courses across the UK whilst gaining invaluable competitive experience. Congratulations PING and Close House for the award winning initiative.”

“The Junior Masters is a cornerstone of our junior pathway,” said Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Close House.

“It provides a competitive platform for talented young players while also supporting our wider grassroots initiatives. Our goal is not only to host great tournaments but to help create long term engagement with the sport.”

Dave Fanning, European Marketing Director at PING Europe, added: “The Junior Masters perfectly reflects what junior golf should be about, opportunity, development and enjoyment.

“We’re proud to support a series that continues to grow and create memorable experiences for young golfers.”

Grassroots impact beyond competition

Beyond competition, the initiative continues to have a significant community impact.

Through the Junior Masters programme, the Close House PGA Teaching Team delivers free coaching to more than 1,000 schoolchildren annually. The aim is to introduce golf to new audiences and strengthen the sport at grassroots level.

The PING Junior Masters Final will take place at Close House on 28 October 2026.

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As Close House Golf Club marks 15 years since opening, the Northumberland venue is reflecting on a journey that has taken it from an ambitious new arrival to one of the most respected and complete golf destinations in the North East.

A clear vision

From the outset, Close House set out to deliver outstanding golf, a welcoming club culture and facilities capable of hosting the very best players in the game. Fifteen years on, that ambition has been realised, with national recognition for both championship pedigree and a thriving membership experience.

Members at the heart

In 2025, Close House was highly commended at The Golf Course Awards in the Members’ Club of the Year category. The recognition reflects the club’s commitment to its 800 members, supported by a full calendar of more than 50 dedicated events each year, and established Close House as the leading members’ club outside London.

That focus has shaped a club that feels inclusive, social and progressive. With a busy competition schedule alongside a wide programme of family and social activity, Close House has become a genuine community hub as well as a leading golf venue.

Elite connections

Elite golf has always been part of the club’s identity. Former World Number One Lee Westwood has been Attached Tour Professional since 2012, a long standing relationship that underlines the venue’s ability to support performance at the highest level. That tradition continues with Jess Baker, winner of the 2022 Women’s Amateur Championship and a Ladies European Tour player in 2025.

Championship courses

The Lee Westwood Colt Course, designed by Scott Macpherson in the style of Harry Colt and later refined in collaboration with Westwood, sits alongside the Filly Course to provide championship quality golf. Together, they challenge elite players while remaining enjoyable and fair for members and visitors of all abilities.

Trusted host venue

Course quality has seen Close House selected to host some of the game’s most prestigious events, including the European Tour PGA Seniors Championship, the British Masters in 2017 and 2020, three EuroPro Tour events, and the International Series England on the Asian Tour in 2023.

A warm welcome

Outside of tournament weeks, members and visitors alike experience a consistently warm welcome from a team known for professionalism, approachability and attention to detail. It is a blend of high standards and genuine hospitality that leaves a lasting impression on first time visitors.

Continued investment

Ongoing investment remains central to the club’s evolution. In 2025, Close House completed a £500,000 driving range extension to enhance practice and academy facilities, with a further £100,000 winter bunker development planned for winter 2025 and 2026.

Developing the next generation

The club is also recognised nationally for its contribution to junior golf. Named Junior Golf Programme of the Year in 2024, Close House delivers extensive grassroots initiatives, including the PING Junior Masters and free schools coaching programmes that introduce thousands of young people to the game each year.

A complete destination

With the opportunity to stay on site within its historic estate, Close House offers a full destination experience. Looking ahead, that offering will be further enhanced by the opening of Freyja, a new restaurant led by Michelin starred chef Alex Nietosvuori, scheduled for late 2026.

Looking forward

As Close House celebrates its 15th anniversary, it does so with a record of championship golf, national recognition, sustained investment and a membership experience that continues to set standards across the UK. It is a combination that firmly establishes Close House as the leading golf club in the North East, with a clear and confident vision for the future.

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Golfers who thought they’d never be able to play again at a Delaware golf course are getting a mulligan.

The president of the Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course in Magnolia, which sits south of the state capital of Dover, had announced a Dec. 31, 2025, closure along with the pub and events venue, but now, daily fee golf will continue.

“I have decided to temporarily postpone that date for an undetermined period of time,” said Bill Kriss, president and executive trustee, in the announcement on the company’s website.

The company isn’t selling memberships or scheduling events for 2026 at this time, but the golf course is open to the public, weather permitting.

JB’s Pub is open inside the clubhouse, serving food and drinks, but no events are being booked for the hall that formerly hosted weddings, receptions, parties and banquets.

Kriss said he’s held discussions over the past several weeks and “carefully evaluated a range of options for the future of the golf course,” but “there are no final decisions regarding what the eventual outcome may be.”

“As I have shared from the beginning, I remain committed to doing what is best for everyone involved – including our golfers, neighbors, community members, and all who have supported Jonathan’s Landing over the years,” he said.

Set to shut its doors Dec. 31, the golf course is now open “temporarily”

Set to shut its doors Dec. 31, 2025, the golf course has announced it will remain open for daily fee golf “temporarily” in 2026, weather permitting

Kriss said he’s asked the management team to remain in place.

On Jan. 6, general manager and PGA pro Chad Craft wasn’t immediately available to answer questions about the golf course, but the staff member answering the phone confirmed that golfers are booking tee times, and the pub is open. A phone message and email message were left for Craft.

Closure of Jonathan’s Landing first announced in November

Kris initially announced the plan to shut down on the company’s website and Facebook page on Nov. 17, 2025.

“After careful consideration, it has become clear that continuing operations in the current form is no longer sustainable. Due to the financial realities of Jonathan’s Landing and the significant effort required to alter its course, those responsible for the club have made the difficult decision to cease operations at the end of this year,” Kriss said.

Before making the decision, he brought in “one of the most respected golf course management consultants on the East Coast to take a thorough look at our operation and explore possible ways forward.”

“The report was comprehensive and thoughtful, offering a range of ideas to help strengthen the course’s financial position. But it also detailed the significant and ongoing investment required to maintain the level of quality our members and guests deserve,” Kriss said.

As for what will happen next, Kriss said, “If a serious offer comes forward to purchase the property as a golf course, I will certainly consider it,” but nothing has been decided.

History of Jonathan’s Landing Golf Course

Kriss’ father-in-law, John “Jack” Beiser, designed and built the course, which opened in 1996.

“The clubhouse that once stood at Delaware Bay completed his vision,” the website said.

Before he died in 2021, Beiser “enjoyed watching a recent resurgence at Jonathan’s Landing, and the renovations he was making at his beloved golf course. He was often found with a wide smile while sitting at a table in the café at Jonathan’s Landing, greeting the familiar faces of golfers and friends.”

Kriss said, “We are proud of what we’ve built and grateful for all of you who have been part of its story. We truly did the best we could.”

He thanked the staff, saying “their dedication, care and pride in the course have carried Jonathan’s Landing farther than it could have gone otherwise.”

Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate and development news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.

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