THIS year, for the first time in a decade, the Open Golf Championship returns to Royal Birkdale. The last time the Open was staged on this magnificent course was in 1998, when American Mark O’Meara triumphed. Royal Birkdale, situated on the southern edge of Southport, Merseyside, is one of the finest golf clubs in Britain and one of the best in the world. As well as being the host for eight previous Opens, it has been the setting for two Ryder Cups, the Walker and Curtis Cups and the Women‘s British Open.

This year’s Open - the 137th staging of Britain’s premier golf competition - will be held from July 17-20, when last year’s winner Padraig Harrington, Ireland’s No 1 player, will be defending his title.

Harrington’s entry brings to five the number of previous Open winners who have already signed up for this year's Championship. He will be joined on the course by Paul Lawrie and Sandy Lyle of Scotland, South Africa’s Ernie Els and U.S. tour player Justin Leonard. Last year, Harrington won in dramatic form at Carnoustie after dropping two shots on the 72nd hole and getting his hands on the Claret Jug only after a four-hole play-off against Sergio Garcia.

This year, British fans will be hoping that Justin Rose, 27, the world No 7, can give the home fans something to cheer. He first burst on to the pro scene at Royal Birkdale as a 17-year-old, when he tied for fourth place at the 1998 Open.

One of the most memorable British sporting memories ever also took place at Royal Birkdale in 1969. After the first four Ryder Cups were shared, the United States had won 12 of the next 13 contests before this thrilling battle.
Tony Jacklin was the inspiration, winning three and halving one of his four pairs matches before sharing his singles with Jack Nicklaus to ensure that the title was also split. Nicklaus generously conceded Jacklin’s 18-inch putt on the final green.

The Royal Birkdale, nestled amid Lancashire’s sand dunes, is just one of 20 courses within the region. Away from the fairways, the beaches of nearby Southport and Liverpool’s European City of Culture events for 2008 offer many attractions for an extended stay. For golf fans wishing to see the world’s top stars in action, and perhaps combine this with a golfing holiday or culture break, the Open organisers offer VIP Open Golf Hospitality packages, with daily prices from £199-£495 per person. For details and bookings, visit http://www.britishopengolf.co.uk/