THE 151st Open at Hoylake’s Royal Liverpool Golf Club has been hailed as a “massive success” after Wirral welcomed over 250,000 visitors to golf’s grandest stage.

Despite torrential rain hitting the course over the weekend and a protest from Just Oil campaigners on Friday, the event and its organisers coped admirably with all that was thrown at them as the peninsula’s picturesque charms were beamed across the world to millions of TV viewers.

The leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “The people of Wirral have extended an incredibly warm welcome to thousands of visitors over the championship and helped make this such a massive success.

“My thanks to everyone, particularly residents in Hoylake and West Kirby, local businesses, visitors and council staff and all our partners for making this such an amazing event.”

For members of Royal Liverpool, the four days were the culmination of years of preparation and Wirral golfers were rewarded with an outstanding performance from one of their own as Hoylake’s Matthew Jordan finished in joint 10th place.

Royal Liverpool’s Mark Gorton said: “The standout story for us has to be the brilliant role local hero Matthew Jordan played in the 151st Open.

“First to qualify, then to have the honour - and pressure - of hitting the Championship’s first shot in the early hours of Thursday morning. And then pull off four great rounds, sometimes in a stiff breeze, sometimes in rain, sometimes in both, and finish tied 10th with a pair of superb players, Tommy Fleetwood and American Max Homa.

“To see Matthew, who went through the ranks at Hoylake from junior to fine amateur and Walker Cup player, and on to become a professional who held his own with the best in the world was very, very cool.

“This wasn’t the most dramatic Open ever - and on Sunday it felt like the dampest - but even though the excellent Brian Harman became the deserved Champion Golfer of the Year, Wirral can be proud of a champion of its own.”

Brian Harman produced a sensational display to become Champion Golfer of the Year with a masterful display at The 151st Open.

The American converted a five-shot overnight lead into a six-shot victory at Royal Liverpool, fending off Tom Kim, Sepp Straka and Jon Rahm to claim his first major title.

"This golf course was a real test," said Harman. "It was set up so great, even with the weather, so to all the superintendents and everyone that helped put it together, thank you so much. The greens were perfect, the golf course was excellent - thank you.

"Lastly, I want to thank The R&A for putting together such an incredible Championship. I couldn't be happier to be its Champion."

"What a whirlwind of a week this has been," Royal Liverpool Lady Captain, Joyce Tuomey, added. "Over 260,000 spectators have come from all over the world to see golf’s finest on our truly special links course, with millions more watching the action unfold. What better way for this international audience to see Wirral - this special peninsula we call home. 

"We are so very grateful to our local businesses and suppliers who support our Clubhouse year round supplying food, beverage and services day in and day out each year. They have beautifully risen to the increased demand an Open Championship brings and showcased the Northwest of England in a way which we all feel very proud."