PLANS for a luxury golf resort scheme, close to the world-famous Royal Liverpool links, are a major step closer to reality following a decision to appoint specialist agents to drive the venture forward.

Wirral Council's all-powerful cabinet gave their unanimous backing to the move this week.

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies told colleagues: "Let there be no doubt about it, this has the potential to make Hoylake a first class golf centre of international renown.

"There has been significant interest in this development from across the world."

Almost two dozen developers and investors have expressed interest in joining forces with Wirral Council to develop a 285-acre site in Hoylake featuring a "signature" golf course, five-star hotel and conference facilities.

The Globe recently exclusively revealed that the preferred developer for the scheme would be announced at next year’s Open Golf tournament at Royal Liverpool.

Council regeneration chief Cllr Pat Hackett said the project would create a large number of jobs, both direct and indirect.

He commented: "This will put Wirral on the international map.  It has the potential to enhance Wirral as a major golf resort."

Specialists in golf and hotels – or with an interest in both – have been among the bodies expressing interest in the project. They include many universally-known names – especially in golfing circles.

The local authority vision is to create facilities that would become a tourist destination, not just for golf, but for families with a series of other leisure facilities including water sports and pony trekking.

Kevin Adderley, council strategic director for regeneration and environment said if the vision was realised  it would hopefully consolidate Hoylake’s position as a special area for golf.

He disclosed that the council envisaged an American-style course where water would be a major feature.

He commented: "It has to be more than a parkland-type course; it needs to be something completely different from what we now have to offer."

With more hotel space now available there are hopes that the 2006 Open attendance figures of 230,000 at Royal Liverpool will be bettered next year.

Golf overlords the R&A have made two concessions for next year's tournament.

Golf enthusiasts will get special passes to leave the course and return later; and mobile phones will be allowed on the links following a trial run at Royal Lytham last year.