The Open will return to Merseyside at least three more times by 2050, following a landmark agreement between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA), Sefton and Wirral Councils, and golf's governing body The R&A. The deal, signed as Royal Birkdale hosts The 154th Open this week, replaces an existing partnership that was due to end after this year's event.
Economic Impact and Visitor Boost
An economic forecast estimates that The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale will deliver a £200 million boost for businesses and communities. The new agreement aims to drive visitor numbers during the championships and beyond, leveraging the region's reputation as the "UK’s golf coast."
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “The Open is one of the biggest prizes in world sport, so securing it for the Liverpool City Region at least three more times is fantastic news. It's a huge vote of confidence in everything our region has to offer – from our world-class courses and spectacular coastline to the warm welcome visitors receive wherever they go.”
Strengthening a Long-Term Partnership
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) lays the groundwork for a detailed, formal partnership to be finalized later this year. Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A, said: “The Open is one of the world’s great sporting events and has a unique ability to showcase a destination to a global audience while delivering significant long-term economic and community benefits. We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with the Liverpool City Region, whose outstanding links courses, passion for golf and commitment to hosting world-class events make it an exceptional home for our championships well into the future.”
Local Leaders Welcome the Deal
Cllr Marion Atkinson, leader of Sefton Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Sefton and for the wider Liverpool City Region. The Open is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, and this landmark agreement secures our position at the heart of championship golf for decades to come.” She highlighted benefits including attracting global visitors, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and inspiring more people to take up golf.
Cllr Paula Basnett, leader of Wirral Council, added: “The Royal Liverpool Golf Club is one of the most iconic venues in history of golf and has a strong record of hosting memorable Opens which attract visitors and audiences from across the globe. Wirral Council is proud to play a central role in this landmark agreement which secures the future of world-class golf in our city region for decades to come and which recognises our ability to deliver major international events.”
History of The Open in the Region
The Liverpool City Region has a rich history with The Open. Alongside this week’s event at Royal Birkdale, which features Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood among the contenders, Royal Liverpool staged the tournament in Hoylake three years ago. The new agreement ensures that the region will continue to host the championship multiple times between now and 2050.
