The Open set to return to Liverpool City Region at least three more times before 2050

Liverpool City Region leaders have agreed a Memorandum of Understanding with golf’s governing body, The R&A to host The Open at least three times in the next 25 years.

As the sport’s biggest names are set to battle it out for Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale this week, the Combined Authority alongside Sefton and Wirral Councils entered into an agreement with The R&A to cement the City Region’s status as a premier destination for major golf championships.

The deal would see the region stage The Open at least three times by 2050 alongside other R&A championships.

Hosting The Open drives up visitor numbers during the Championship and beyond, with an economic forecast estimating a £200 million boost for local businesses and communities from The 154^th Open at Royal Birkdale*.

The Memorandum of Understanding replaces a current hosting partnership with Wirral and Sefton which is set to end after The 154^th Open this year and prolongs a long-standing relationship between the region and the Championship’s organisers.

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.

“With some of the best golf courses in the country on our doorstep, we are undoubtedly the UK’s golf coast and this agreement cements that reputation for decades to come. Every time The Open comes here, it puts our region on the global stage, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and delivers a major boost for local businesses, jobs and our visitor economy.

“This is about building a long-term partnership that will inspire the next generation, showcase our communities to millions of people around the world and create opportunities that last long after the final putt. We can’t wait to welcome golf’s biggest stars – and fans from across the globe – back to the Liverpool City Region again and again.”

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.”

Find out more on Liverpool City Region Combined Authority website.

Find out more about The Open on our website.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.