The eyes of the world were once again on Merseyside as the 151st edition of The Open Championship was staged at The Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
The prestigious competition is regarded as one of the most esteemed occasions in sport – but the 2023 edition will probably not be remembered by many for the golf. Brian Harman absolutely dismantled the chasing pack as he surged into the lead on the opening day and never really looked like letting up in the battle to win the Claret Jug.
However, the ECHO has been stationed at the picturesque course throughout the tournament to speak to fans who attended the event and it became apparent the people here will fondly look back on the event for an entirely different reason. Golf fans from across the globe have descended on Hoylake as we've chatted to visitors from far flung countries such as Australia, Canada, U.S.A and The Philippines.
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For many it was their first time in our region and, although they hailed from completely different backgrounds, they all sung from the same hymn sheet as they told us how they had fallen for Merseyside's charms. Whether it was Cathy from Toronto, Mitch from Colorado or Will from the state of Georgia, visitors heaped praise on the friendly spirit and vowed to return to properly enjoy the region in the future without the golf or the heavy rain as a distraction.
Jennie and John from West Kirby were in attendance on the third day of the tournament 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. The sheer number of people who have arrived in Merseyside shows the enormity of this tournament and it is an honour that we are given the opportunity to host.
However, the response from fans has proven once again that nowhere quite does big events like our region as it was refreshing to see how visitors were once again making memories here that will last a lifetime. It has once again bolstered our credentials and shows why event organisers should be targeting Merseyside to host the grandest of occasions.
The future certainly looks bright as the area as Merseyside has started to be recognised as global superstar, Taylor Swift, will play Anfield next year and it won't be long until the golf returns as The Open Championship will once again take place at the Royal Birkdale.
With Anfield getting expanded to over 60,000 and Bramley Moore stadium continuing to make healthy progress, Merseyside's claim to host the biggest events is increasing by the day and shows that staging the grand occasions could be the kind of thing we can eventually get used to.
The true impact of this was captured by our photographer as young Eli Mannion's wish was fulfilled when he was able to get his golf ball signed by his hero Tommy Fleetwood. By making Merseyside a destination for the big events, the next generation can get up close and personal with their heroes and inspire them that it is possible to make their dreams a reality.
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