146th Open, won on Sunday by American star Jordan Spieth, attracted 235,000 people and was beaten only by the the St Andrews Opens of 2000 (239,000) and 2015 (237,000)

Royal Birkdale pulled in the third-highest crowd ever for the British Open Open Championship.

The 146th Open, won on Sunday by American star Jordan Spieth, attracted 235,000 spectators beaten only by the St Andrews Opens of 2000 (239,000) and 2015 (237,000).

It offered a significant boost to Sefton’s and the Liverpool city region’s visitor economy with the Merseyrail guards strike on Sunday failing to deter golf fans.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Labour Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills on Sefton Council, said: “What a week and what an endorsement for our wonderful borough.

“Years of preparation went into hosting the championship and yet again we didn’t fail in helping to deliver a superb event.

“Record crowds attended and this will have a knock-on effect with businesses right across the borough reaping the rewards.

“We are used to hosting global sporting events like the Aintree Grand National and with the golf taking place in Southport, it really puts Sefton in the worldwide shop window.

“With the Summer of Golf taking place in Southport town centre and the amazing Hole in One art structure at The Atkinson, we and our many partners really got behind the golf to make it so successful.

“It tied in perfectly well with the Year of Sefton’s Coast highlighting everything we have on offer in the borough.

“Hotels were full, bars and restaurants were booming, shops and businesses were doing a roaring trade and residents across Sefton really got behind the championship.”