A NEW “world-class” golf tournament will be a key element in attracting more tourists to Wirral.

The inaugural Wirral Golf Classic, to be held in September, is expected to attract 300 participants in its first year – and hopes to become a self-sustaining event by 2012.

Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: “England’s Golf Coast has world-class appeal and this new competition is the perfect opportunity for golfers to experience some of our best courses.

“We hope it will encourage more golfers to discover Wirral, and some of its many hidden gems.”

Four of Wirral’s coastal courses will host the 72-hole amateur tournament – open to

men and women golfers.

Supported initially by Wirral Council, the intention is that it should become a permanent fixture on the England’s Golf Coast calendar and is aimed at attracting golfers to “play and stay” in the area.

All entrants will play a round of golf at the participating courses which include the Royal Liverpool – famous for holding the Open 11 times, most recently in 2006 – along with Wallasey, Caldy and Heswall, with a rest day during the week.

David Cromie, secretary at Royal Liverpool, said: “We are delighted to be part of this event which will attract golfers to our region and I am sure they will have a warm Wirral reception and thoroughly enjoy their golf on these fine links.”

The event is also being backed by the Northwest Regional Development Fund (ERDF) England’s Golf Coast.