Eyes of the world on Merseyside as huge event begins

The world's biggest golfing stars are preparing for the start of The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The golf course has been The Open's most regular venue, other than St Andrews, since it first hosted the tournament in 1954, hosting the event for the 11th time. Since Sunday, July 12, the golf course has welcomed thousands of spectators for the opening day and several practice days. The championship will get underway tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, as the biggest names in golf tee off for the first time. Local golfer Tommy Fleetwood, World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Open champion, and Northern Irish great Rory McIlroy will be among the big names competing for the prestigious Claret Jug. The ECHO attended the golf course this afternoon (July 15) as spectators turned out fo