FREE golfing fun comes to Southport during The Open

Sefton Council and Southport BID are busy preparing a ‘Summer of Golf’ as hundreds of thousands of people head to the borough as part of the 146th Open Golf Championship.

There will be attractions, activities and exhibitions across Southport and the borough to entertain both visitors and residents during The Open Golf Championship at Royal Birkdale.

The ‘Summer of Golf’ is designed to appeal to everyone with events taking place while the golf is on along with activities in the evening to capture fans that have been at Royal Birkdale.

The Princess Diana Gardens in front of The Atkinson in Southport town centre will be the hub of the events with activities taking place daily between Saturday, 15 July and Sunday, 23 July.

Some of the interactive attractions will include ‘The First Tee Experience’, where visitors can drive off from a simulation of the first tee at Royal Birkdale. There will also be a bunker for visitors to chip out of as well as the ‘Longest Putt Challenge’.

More attractions have just been added including a ‘coaching zone’ which will offer visitors of all abilities the chance to improve their game. And there will be a golf simulator which will enable players to tackle some of the world’s most famous holes.

All these attractions will be free to experience and open to visitors young and old. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy them either as there will be experienced staff on hand to provide help and guidance

Mark Catherall, Sefton Council’s Head of Tourism, said: “Hosting The Open is a major occasion for Sefton and the wider Liverpool City Region with so many people seeing what a great borough we are.

“We really want to make it accessible and interesting for residents and those visitors who are not at Royal Birkdale by getting into the swing of things. This nine-day event will provide a fun way to enjoy golf for people of all ages and experience.

“There is a lot more to be announced over the coming weeks – including a major first for Southport, so watch this space!”

Hugh Evans, Southport BID Chief Executive, added: “The eyes of the sporting world will be on our town next month, the ‘Summer of Golf’ will be a great addition that will act as a hook to attract thousands of visitors back to the town centre ensuring all businesses benefit.”