Hoylake To Host 2014 British Open - 16th Feb 2010 2:43pm
Originally Posted by BBC News
Royal Liverpool Golf Club is set to host The Open Championship in 2014, the 12th time the Hoylake links has hosted golf's oldest Major competition.
When The Open returned to Hoylake in 2006 after a 39-year absence, Tiger Woods became the first back-to-back champion since Tom Watson in 1983. The event drew about 230,000 people, a record for the championship in England.
"We are delighted the Open is returning to Royal Liverpool," said David Hill, the R&A's Director of Championships. "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," he added.
When The Open returned to Hoylake in 2006 after a 39-year absence, Tiger Woods became the first back-to-back champion since Tom Watson in 1983. The event drew about 230,000 people, a record for the championship in England.
"We are delighted the Open is returning to Royal Liverpool," said David Hill, the R&A's Director of Championships. "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," he added.
Originally Posted by BBC News
Paul Cassidy, captain of Royal Liverpool Golf Club, added: "We are very proud of our club's rich heritage and the many memorable golfing moments staged at Hoylake since our founding in 1869. "We are extremely thrilled to be invited to host The Open Championship in 2014."
With The Open Championship estimated to boost the local economy by £70m each time it is played in the north west of England, the news has also been welcomed by councillor Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council.
"This is fantastic news for Wirral. 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," said Mr Foulkes. 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."
With The Open Championship estimated to boost the local economy by £70m each time it is played in the north west of England, the news has also been welcomed by councillor Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council.
"This is fantastic news for Wirral. 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," said Mr Foulkes. 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."
Originally Posted by BBC News
In 1885, Hoylake hosted the inaugural Amateur Championship - the first of 17 to date - and, in 1921, it staged the first international match between Great Britain and the USA, a contest which would later become the Walker Cup.
The venue has witnessed a string of unique Open Champions.
In 1907, Arnaud Massy became the only Frenchman to have won the title, Fred Daly became the first Irishman to do so in 1947 and Argentine golfer Roberto De Vicenzo became the first South American to win a Major when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1967.
When Tiger Woods appeared in 2006 he said the Wirral course was a "fantastic test" of golfers' skills and "lent itself to amazing creativity".
The venue has witnessed a string of unique Open Champions.
In 1907, Arnaud Massy became the only Frenchman to have won the title, Fred Daly became the first Irishman to do so in 1947 and Argentine golfer Roberto De Vicenzo became the first South American to win a Major when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1967.
When Tiger Woods appeared in 2006 he said the Wirral course was a "fantastic test" of golfers' skills and "lent itself to amazing creativity".
This is fantastic news, and after the success of 2006, I had high hopes we would get it again one day. I actually really enjoyed it the last time round, though had to watch it on TV like most people lol. More revenue to the local economy and a boost for tourism, lets just hope the council don't go stupid again and waste all the money on cobbles and the like!
BBC News Report