HOMEOWNERS cashed in to the tune of £1.5m by renting their homes during the Open Golf championship.

Figures released today reveal the letting bonanza for the Royal Birkdale event surpassed records set at Hoylake in 2006 and Carnoustie in 2007.

The Open’s official letting agents, Ball & Percival, let more than 250 properties for between £1,500 and £20,000.

Although the volume of properties was not as high as in recent years, the size of houses in and around Southport meant their combined rental values were higher than ever before.

Media companies helped drive the figures, with firms including the BBC, US giants ESPN and Turner, and Japan’s TV Asahi taking over a record number of homes.

Homeowners had to vacate their properties for 10 days during the Royal Birkdale tournament.

Ball & Percival, which is part of the Venmore Group, has been the official letting agents for the past three Birkdale Opens.

Venmore managing partner Simon Wall said Birkdale benefited from both its established reputation as well as the success of the Open at Hoylake.

He added: “These are absolutely tremendous figures and reflect the huge economic impact the Open has on the local economy.”

Birkdale’s strong transport links via motorways, public transport and two major airports nearby helped make the lettings season so popular, Mr Wall said.

The area’s “credibility” as an established Open venue, he added, helped bring in key supporters, manufacturers, media and other exhibitors.

One of the companies Ball & Percival housed was Nike Golf Europe.

A spokesperson for the sports equipment manufacture said: “The Open Championship is the perfect platform for Nike Golf to entertain key customers both on course and in the prestigious properties that Ball and Percival secure for us. The quality and location of our Open housing have always been exceptional which is in line with Nike Golf’s commitment to excellence.”

Golf management firm CCS Stellar Management turned their rented accommodation into a luxury “Open House”.

A CSS spokesperson said: “Our clients find the sanctuary of our private house a great escape from the hustle and bustle of a major championship.

“It has been all important for us to find a house that provides us with the quality our clients expect.”

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