CANDID views from world’s press and media representatives on their reception for the 2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool reveal an unexpected depth of warmth for Wirral and its people.

As part of the build-up for the championship’s return this summer Wirral Council have released observations from national and international golfing reporters on their 2006 experiences.

Compliments for the citizens of Wirral flew thick and fast.

Jim Black from the Scottish Sun wrote: “The people are embarrassingly nice and can’t do enough for us. It’s the best accommodation I’ve ever had.”

Bill Elliott from The Observer, said: “It’s a pleasure to return. The people are nice and it’s a lovely place. It’s a pleasure to attend The Open here.”

John Greechan, chief sports writer for the Scottish Daily Mail commented: “Really nice place, really friendly people; loved Heswall and West Kirby – very picturesque and well cared for. Great place.”

And Bob Harrig from St Petersburg Times, Florida, observed: “”We’d heard a lot of negative talk – that it would be too crowded, too small.

“I’ve been to seven Opens and I think this has been the best one. Scotland closes too early whereas Wirral has taken advantage and gone out of their way to accommodate the late hours and offer great service – especially for us Americans.”

Others like Damon Hack of the New York Times remarked that the food was good – “I had everything I needed to do my job.”

He added: “I loved the historical aspects to Liverpool. Thanks to Wirral Council for their hospitality.”

And American colleague Hank Gola from the New York Daily News had this to say: “I liked the area a lot, it’s been less crowded than other Opens. I’ve had great service, great food, the traffic has flowed.

“My only negative point – too damn hot.”

And Paul Kelso from The Guardian firmly dispelled fears that the championship would be disaster.

He wrote: “At first we were all worried – we thought we’d just be reporting on traffic chaos and an overcrowded course. It strikes me it coped fantastically well. It’s genuinely been brilliantly run. We would have loved a disaster but it’s been just great.”

There were 500 accredited reporters in the media centre at Royal Liverpool in addition there were 700 broadcasters and 300 photographers from around the world.

It is estimated that the BBC laid 100 miles of cable for the events. There were 60 cameras in operation as well as a series of hoist cameras giving a birds-eye view of the links.

A blimp was tethered 1,000 ft above ground for further aerial views.

Around 150 local families offered accommodation to golfing enthusiasts from around the globe for the week-long event.