The Hoylake links to host its 12th Golf Open tournament

Hoylake proved to be a big hit with the players in 2006

Royal Liverpool Golf Club is set to host The Open Championship in 2014, the 12th time the Hoylake links has hosted golf's oldest Major competition.

When The Open returned to Hoylake in 2006 after a 39-year absence, Tiger Woods became the first back-to-back champion since Tom Watson in 1983.

The event drew about 230,000 people, a record for the championship in England.

"We are delighted the Open is returning to Royal Liverpool," said David Hill, the R&A's Director of Championships.

"In 2006 Hoylake showcased links golf at its best and players, spectators and officials were united in their praise for the course and for the venue as a whole," he added.

We look forward to getting ready to welcome new visitors to the peninsula, as well as returning golf fans

Councillor Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council

Paul Cassidy, captain of Royal Liverpool Golf Club, added: "We are very proud of our club's rich heritage and the many memorable golfing moments staged at Hoylake since our founding in 1869.

"We are extremely thrilled to be invited to host The Open Championship in 2014."

With The Open Championship estimated to boost the local economy by £70m each time it is played in the north west of England, the news has also been welcomed by councillor Steve Foulkes, leader of Wirral Council.

"This is fantastic news for Wirral. We look forward to getting ready to welcome new visitors to the peninsula, as well as returning golf fans who enjoyed themselves so much with us four years ago," said Mr Foulkes.

'Amazing creativity'

"The return of one of the world's biggest sporting events to Royal Liverpool Golf Club is not only great for Wirral but the whole of the North West."

In 1885, Hoylake hosted the inaugural Amateur Championship - the first of 17 to date - and, in 1921, it staged the first international match between Great Britain and the USA, a contest which would later become the Walker Cup.

The venue has witnessed a string of unique Open Champions.

In 1907, Arnaud Massy became the only Frenchman to have won the title, Fred Daly became the first Irishman to do so in 1947 and Argentine golfer Roberto De Vicenzo became the first South American to win a Major when he lifted the Claret Jug in 1967.

When Tiger Woods appeared in 2006 he said the Wirral course was a "fantastic test" of golfers' skills and "lent itself to amazing creativity".