Hoylake to host 2014 Open Championship

Trampas

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.

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.

'Amazing creativity'

"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 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".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/8517787.stm

Was this the open when tiger barely hit driver all week?

Zardoz

Nice one.
Hoylake is probably the easiest course to get to as its very near Liverpool.

fitslikeaglove

Quite possibly the most boring course on the open rota. There`s definitely something wrong if the the tournament can be won without the need for a driver. Let`s hope the weather bares it`s teeth a bit more this time.

Kevinmarkham

fitslikeaglove wrote: »

Quite possibly the most boring course on the open rota. There`s definitely something wrong if the the tournament can be won without the need for a driver. Let`s hope the weather bares it`s teeth a bit more this time.

'Boring' says it all. A very dull course compared with so many others. I played it 2 months before the 2006 Open was played there, and I said to my playing partners that Tiger Woods would tear the course apart. I put €100 on him when I got home, at 3/1. Paid for my trip, the green fee and a new driver.

conno16

all for 300 quid..
not bad kev

BiffoGooner

They could have gone for Troon I suppose, in what would have been 10 years since it's been there (04).

By the way, does anyone know why Portrush wasn't given another Open?I mean, it towers above some of the other courses in the rotation.Plus Tiger shot an 81 there once upon a time .