TIME TO TAKE STOCK OF GOLF REVOLUTION

HAVE no illusions about it, Close House Hotel aims to become one of the biggest and best golf resorts in the country in the not too distant future.

If anybody was unaware, it is undergoing a major revolution and big name signings have started to put the hotel firmly on the sporting map.

And with multi-millionaire owner Graham Wylie throwing pots of money into it - he has poured £10m into the resort in the space of five years - the possibilities for golf there are endless.

If I was cynical, I would say that it is cheating by flexing its financial muscle to outdo its rivals but, fair play to the team, there is real knowledge and enthusiasm to provide the best facilities around.

In the past year, Lee Westwood has become an ambassador for the hotel - attached touring professional to give him the full title - and that appointment is giving Close House worldwide acclaim.

Having the world number two golfer wearing hotel merchandise wherever he may be in the world raises the profile no end, and whatever cost associated with the deal - I am guessing it must involve big bucks - it is money well spent.

But it is the appointment of new golf director Russell Smith which potentially is the main ingredient in the recipe for success at the club.

Meeting him at the launch of the Lee Westwood Academy - another major coup for Close House - he is just the man to take the plans for nationwide domination forward.

Vastly experienced by working at the world famous Gleneagles for the past decade, he is in a strong position to push on the rapid expansion with his wealth of contacts and expertise.

To leave the Scottish course when it is to host the prestigious Ryder Cup in two years time illustrates how bowled over he has been with the vision of Wylie & co.

It will definitely be a case of watch this space, with the team hinting that this is just the beginning of the golfing revolution.

And, as Russell said himself, it would not be a surprise if Close House plays host to a major tournament within the next five years or so.