As part of the England's Golf Coast campaign I spent the day with colleagues from Liverpool, Southport and Fylde at the Open Golf championship in Royal Birkdale yesterday. The cold and unrelenting rain did not deter the fans (nor the majority of the golfers) from supporting the event and the England's Golf Coast stand became a welcoming beacon for many to shelter from the weather.
It was welcoming to hear so many positive comments and praise from golfers who had already tried out one or more of the twenty championship courses on England's Golf Coast. It was also nice to talk to those new to the region and to introduce some of our amazing scenery and challenging golf courses to them. Bookings were even taken on the stand (via the on-line t-time booking service) for those who wanted a game over the next few days - I just hope they brought their waterproofs!
We had plenty of interest in the free prize draw (the prize was to win the opportunity to play at all three Royal courses on England's Golf Coast) and gave out free tee's and ball markers to visitors as well as the new brochure (which can also be downloaded from the website).
With the Ladies Open championship coming to Royal Lytham St Annes next year and the men's Open in 2012, people are already booking (or least thinking about booking) their accommodation on the Fylde coast and elsewhere in Lancashire. We had quite a few enquiries from people wanting suggestions of places to stay - including campsites!
As a novice to the Open Championships is was an interesting experience and I look forward to the Women's Open at Lytham next year.
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