by Eric Munn
A MAJOR festival of golf is coming to the borough and it's expected to generate more than £3m for the local economy.
The festival has been organised via a unique partnership between Wirral and Sefton councils.
International golfing superstars of yesteryear will arrive from around the world to play in a newly-sanctioned PGA European Seniors Tour event - the English Seniors Open.
The tournament is not a one-off, and there are plans to alternatively base the Seniors Open at courses in Sefton and Wirral between now and 2007.
The two courses involved are the Royal Liverpool golf course in Hoylake and the Hillside golf course in Sefton.
The tournament is expected to grow to become one of the most respected fixtures in the golfing calendar.
Wirral and Sefton councils now are recruiting a youth development worker dedicated to increasing the appeal and accessibility of golf.
Money to run the festival is coming from the Merseyside Objective One and the local authorities, who will be responsible for the orchestrating and management of the festival.
Chief Executive of Wirral Council Steve Maddox said: "Last month we were thrilled to announce the return of the Open Championship to Wirral in 2006. Now we are also celebrating the fact that we will have an annual Merseyside festival of golf happening in the region."
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