Royal Liverpool Golf Club set to host The Open for the twelfth time in 2014
Last updated 2/20/2010 9:42:35 AM
Royal Liverpool Golf Club set to host The Open for the twelfth time in 2014
Royal Liverpool Golf Club is to host golf's oldest Major competition, The Open Championship, in 2014, the 12th time the Hoylake links have been chosen.
The Open returned to Hoylake in 2006 after a 39-year absence and around 230,000 people, a record for the tournament in England, watched Tiger Woods become the first back-to-back champion since Tom Watson in 1983.
"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.
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."
The Open Championship is estimated to boost the local economy by £70m each time it is played in the north west of England and, understandably, the news has 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."
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 number 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".
Not only the West of England but the rest of the world will be hoping that the American Woods will be back again as he continues his self imposed exile from world golf.
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