MERSEYSIDE Police has thanked the golf spectators who attended the Open Championship for helping to make the event a huge success.

Four people were arrested during the seven days while more than 200,000 people enjoyed the relax and friendly atmosphere of the event.

Offices worked closely with colleagues in partner agencies including the R&A – who had overall responsibility for security – Royal Liverpool Golf Course, Wirral Council and the local community.

After the event – which took 18 months worth of planning – Chief Superintendent John Martin said: “We are delighted with the way things have gone over the last week.

“The crowd were good natured and well behaved and a good time seems to have been had by the vast majority of spectators, who were not put off by the sweltering heat, or the rainy conditions on Saturday.

“This is a world-wide event which has brought visitors from all over the world to Hoylake.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended and helped to make the event such a success.

“I would also like to acknowledge the professionalism of the police officers, R&R staff, marshalls and volunteers, involved in the event over the last week.”

He added: “There were four arrests made in the seven days but this did not detract from the overwhelmingly friendly and good natured atmosphere of the event.”