Open Chamionship’s return brings region £70m boost
ONE of the world’s most prestigious golf tournaments – the Open Championship – will return to Merseyside in 2014 bringing a £70m cash boost to the region.
Golf’s governing body, the Royal and Ancient, has announced that Liverpool Golf Club will host the Open in four year’s time.
It will be the 12th time the Hoylake venue has hosted golf’s oldest Major tournament.
Councillor Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council, said: “The return of one of the world’s biggest sporting events to Royal Liverpool Golf Club is not only great for Wirral, but the whole of the North West.
“We are absolutely committed to ensuring local residents, businesses and golf fans alike benefit from this fantastic opportunity once more.”
“We look forward to getting ready to welcome new visitors to the peninsula as well as returning golf fans who enjoyed themselves so much with us four years ago.”
David Hill, the R and A’s director of championships, said: “We are delighted that the Open is returning to Royal Liverpool after a relatively short period of time.
“In 2006, Hoylake showcased links golf at its best and players, spectators and officials were united in their praise for the course, and for the venue as a whole.”
In 1885, Hoylake hosted the inaugural Amateur Championship – the first of 17 to date – and, in 1921, it hosted the first international match between Great Britain and the USA, a contest which would later become the Walker Cup Match.
Golfer Tiger Woods lifted the trophy the last time that the Open Championship was held at Liverpool Golf Club in 2006.
Paul Cassidy, Captain of Royal Liverpool Golf Club said: “We are very proud of our club’s rich heritage and the many memorable golfing moments staged at Hoylake since our founding in 1869 and are extremely thrilled to be again invited to host The Open Championship in 2014.
“We are thoroughly looking forward to working with both the R and A and Wirral Council in the planning, organisation and staging of another successful Major championship.”
