Merseyside gets into the swing with 120 rounds

Merseysiders will play an average of 120 rounds of golf this year, a 20 per cent increase on 2007 thanks to Open fever sweeping the region.

Matthew Allen-Chilman, head of golf at Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, commented:  “There’s still more than 100 days until the Open, but we’ve experienced unprecedented demand for the golf course since mid-January.  It’s been from all levels of player, from amateurs to semi-professionals, but the biggest interest by far has been from the city’s professionals.

“The Open is a key networking event for many and we’ve already bulk-sold several weeks of PGA academy training and have even been asked to send some of our pros to peoples’ homes for more discreet personal training.”

He added: “The region’s professionals are obviously keen to capitalise on and enjoy the event, while showcasing their golfing talent.  A bit of last minute coaching is definitely the answer.”

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa is already taking green tee bookings for during The Open Championship.  Daily green fees include £200 for the nine hole and £400 for the 18 hole course.  The resort will become home to the UK’s only residential PGA golf academy in April when it opens its doors for the first time.  The residential golf academy will offer swing analysis, one-on-one putting and driving tuition and handicap reduction strategies.

The resort’s recently completed its second phase of development, as the meeting and conference facilities were launched.  The resort now offers two conference rooms, the Ambassador (14m x 26m) and the Diplomat (6m x 22m) and is well located to capitalise on the opportunities that The Open will generate.

The 2008 Open is expected to deliver a major boost to the local and regional economy.   Early estimates suggest that the event will bring more than £30m of new money to the local economy while footage and images of Sefton’s golf coast will generate a further £40m of tourism-related businesses in the area.

Anyone interested in Open green fees, academy and conference bookings should call 01704 875 699.