Royal Naval Reserve unit hosts Masters launch

The home of the Royal Navy in the North East has hosted legends of British sport for the launch of the 2017 British Masters Golf tournament.

HMS Calliope provided the picturesque backdrop for the event which saw former world number one golfer Lee Westwood OBE showcase his skills in front of the Tyne Bridge.

From the car park of the Royal Naval Reserve unit, situated on the Gateshead Quayside between the two iconic Bridges over the River Tyne; The Tyne Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Westwood and fellow sporting stars triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards CBE and former Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper attempted to land golf balls on a floating green moored 100 yard away on the Tyne.

Unit Warrant Officer Scott Hill said: “Westwood was successful after his first attempt landed short, Edwards came close with every attempt but Harper showed he should really stick to football; at least no one on the Newcastle Quayside was hit!”

Members of staff from HMS Calliope, the Royal Navy, Army and RAF Careers Offices watched on, speaking with the celebrities and getting selfies.

WO1 Hill added: “HMS Calliope was honoured to have been chosen to provide the venue for the launch of the British Masters 2017, taking place within our region.

"The unit provides an unequalled backdrop for such events and puts the Royal Naval Reserve in the public eye; many people do not know that the Royal Navy has a presence in the North East of England.”

Westwood said: "The Tyne Bridge is an iconic landmark so hitting shots in front of it is a unique way to promote the British Masters.

"I guess it’s my job to hit greens but they don’t tend to be floating ones, so I was pleased to hit a few on there as it was moving a fair bit.”

In 2015, the launch event for the Rugby World Cup 2015 for the matches taking places at Newcastle United Football Club’s St James’ Park took place in HMS Calliope. 

The British Masters, part of the European PGA Tour is taking place at Close House, Newcastle from September 27^th to October 1^st.