THE leader of Wirral Council has described The Open's return to Hoylake this week as an an "incredible opportunity for our borough".  

Around 250,000 people are expected to visit the town for the tournament, being staged at Royal Liverpool Golf Club from Thursday, July 20 until Sunday, July 23.

With the start of The Open just days away the eyes of the world will be on Hoylake and Wirral as the world’s top golfers and fans arrive in the borough.

Already many local bars and restaurants and other traders are gearing up for tens of thousands of visitors each day.

In a statement, council leader Paul Stuart, said: "When it was announced that Wirral was going to host The Open again, we knew it was an incredible opportunity for our borough, and one that other places could only dream of.

"The Golf Open Championship gives us an incredible chance to showcase the area to many thousands of visitors, as well as a huge TV and online audience right across the world.

Wirral Globe: Preparations for The Open's return Hoylake last week with work on temporary bridge that will take spectators to tournament course Preparations for The Open's return Hoylake last week with work on temporary bridge that will take spectators to tournament course (Image: Craig Manning / Newsquest)

"We knew there was a lot of hard work required to host the Open following on from the success we had when we hosted the Open in 2006 and 2014, especially given how the scale and complexity of the event has grown enormously over recent years.

"As well as some of the biggest golf crowds ever seen in England, we will have hundreds of journalists from the worlds media and news outlets heading our way, we will be encouraging them to experience many of the things that make our peninsula so special, including our glorious coast and countryside and wonderful hospitality.

"Hoylake really is looking beautiful and ready to welcome the world.

"There is a real buzz surrounding this event, and I know that its residents and businesses across Wirral will take real pride in showcasing the area at its glorious best to audiences on the world stage.

"We already know that Wirral has an incredible amount to offer, from the ambitious regeneration plans that are underway, to inspiring heritage and an incredible range of natural assets.

"The Open gives us an unrivalled opportunity to spread that message to millions of people who, over the coming weeks, will see what a great place it is to visit, live, work and invest in.

"It's also a unique chance for Wirral residents to enjoy hosting a truly global sporting event and I know that people will give the warmest of welcomes to more than a quarter of a million visitors over the coming days.

"So, whether you are planning to follow the coverage on TV, working or volunteering on or around the course, or are fortunate to be attending in person, I do hope you have a wonderful Open Championship and enjoy Wirral’s moment in the global sporting spotlight."

If anyone has any questions or concerns they can contact the Open Golf Delivery Team on 0151 666 3050 or email the Team at open2023enquiries@wirral.gov.uk.

To speak to a member of council staff in person there is a Drop-In Office situated in the Hoylake Municipal Golf Club, Carr Lane, Hoylake, CH47 4BG to deal with any specific enquiries.  The opening times of the Drop-In Office are:

July – Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4.30pm

August – Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4.30pm