The Open returns to Hoylake

The Royal & Ancient, golf's governing body in this country, has announced that Royal Liverpool Golf Club will host The Open Championship in 2014.

"We are delighted that The Open is returning to Royal Liverpool after a relatively short period of time," 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.

"We would like to thank the Club's officials for their unfailing cooperation, which has enabled the Championship to come back to Royal Liverpool, a Club whose history is interwoven with both The Open and The R&A."

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 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&A and Wirral Council in the planning, organisation and staging of another successful Major championship."

The Open Championship is estimated to boost the local economy by £70m every time it is played in the North West.

Cllr Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council, said: "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.

"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."

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 Argentinean golfer Roberto De Vicenzo became the first South American to win a Major when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1967.