Thousands of golf fans from all over the world have flocked to Merseyside for The Open Championship.
The prestigious competition, regarded as one of the greatest occasions in sport, is currently underway at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake. The ECHO has been stationed at the picturesque course since the contest started and has chatted to spectators about their experience so far.
The true enormity of the iconic tournament has been there to see as people from all backgrounds and nationalities have descended on Wirral to enjoy the golf. West Kirby residents, Jennie and John, attended the third day of The Open and told the ECHO it has been amazing to hear so many different accents in their local area, which has been buzzing over the past week.
READ MORE: The Open at Royal Liverpool has people excited for 'chaos' as 250,000 tourists to descend on Hoylake
Just as it was with Eurovision earlier this year, the eyes of the world have once again been on Merseyside and the ECHO has interviewed people who have travelled from far flung countries such as Australia, Canada, U.S.A and The Philippines. While they may have made their journey to be able to witness the battle for the Claret Jug live, they have fallen in love with the area for an entirely different reason.
Dad and son, Christian and Mitch, have travelled from Colarado to watch The Open and heaped praise on the friendly nature of the people in Merseyside. Christian said: "Nothing but great people. Super hospitable and we will most certainly be back."
Mitch added: "We've got to thank The Black Toad for taking care of us." Will travelled from the state of Georgia and was being shown around the area by his mate Ste, who hailed from Netherley.
The American told the ECHO about how much he has loved his first stay on Merseyside. He said : "It's very beautiful and the people are great. Everyone has been super nice to me here."
Greg and Mark from Florida were also full of praise and The Beatles superfans said visiting Liverpool was a "bucket list" experience. Greg said: "I was able to go to Strawberry Fields and play the song there underneath the bandstand and that was a dream for me."
Jack and Karen Hyland hail from Virginia but now live in London. The Open was their first time in Merseyside and they said the "people couldn't be more welcoming" and hope to come back to enjoy a trip here when the golf isn't on
Cathy was draped in a Canadian flag for the The Open as she travelled from Toronto to watch the golf. She was also blown away by the friendly spirit in Merseyside as she told the ECHO: "It's a beautiful place because the river is right here and the people are great."
Gina and Deo travelled from The Philippines to see The Open. It was also their first time on Merseyside and they praised the people in the region for their friendly welcome.
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