TaylorMade’s Season Opener collection blends spring style with thoughtful details inspired by golf’s most iconic week.

Every April, golf companies find their own way to tip their cap to the season’s first major. Some go subtle, others lean all the way in. This year, TaylorMade has chosen the latter, rolling out a ‘Season Opener’ collection of bags, head covers and golf balls that leaves little doubt about the inspiration, while still finding a few creative ways to tell the story. The collection is available beginning April 6 at taylormadegolf.com.

PlayMoreGolf, the UK’s leading flexible golf membership platform, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary, marking a decade of growth, innovation and partnership with golf clubs across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Founded in 2016, PlayMoreGolf was created to address a simple but growing challenge facing the modern golfer: how to enjoy the benefits of club membership while balancing busy lives and varied playing habits.

Ten years on, the business supports thousands of members and works with hundreds of partner clubs, helping them attract new audiences, retain members and generate incremental revenue.

Over the past decade, PlayMoreGolf has evolved from a single flexible points based product into a multi product platform, supporting a wide range of clubs from community focused venues to premium facilities, while remaining true to its founding principle that flexible membership should complement traditional club membership, not replace it.

Founder reflects on growth and partnerships

Alastair Sinclair, Founder and CEO of PlayMoreGolf, said:
“When we started PlayMoreGolf, our aim was to support golf clubs and make the game more accessible without undermining the traditions that make clubs special.

Ten years on, I am incredibly proud of what the team has built and the long standing partnerships we have formed with clubs across the UK and Ireland.”

PlayMoreGolf’s progress has been underpinned by close collaboration with partner clubs, ongoing investment in technology and a strong operational focus on service, compliance and sustainability.

The platform has helped clubs adapt to changing consumer expectations while protecting the long term health of the game”

Focus on sustainable next phase

Brad Chard Chief Operating Officer added:

“Reaching ten years is a significant milestone. It reflects not just growth, but consistency in how we support clubs, serve our members and operate the business.

Our focus now is on the next phase: growing the portfolio responsibly, continuing to innovate and ensuring PlayMoreGolf remains a trusted long term partner for clubs.”

To mark the anniversary, PlayMoreGolf will recognise long standing partner clubs throughout 2026 and reflect on the role flexible membership has played in supporting the wider golf ecosystem over the past decade.

Looking ahead, the company’s priorities remain clear: sustainable growth, strong club relationships and helping more golfers enjoy the game in a way that fits modern life while respecting the traditions that have always defined it.

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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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