THE world’s leading women golfers are heading to Wirral for the first time.

They will be competing in the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2012, which is making its debut at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

And the decision to include the Hoylake links on the rota for the tournament could pave the way for return visits in the future.

The news, revealed in last week’s Daily Post, was confirmed at yesterday’s official launch at a club which was first established in 1869.

It completes a prestigious double for Royal Liverpool to cement its position on the world golfing stage. In 2006, the men’s Open returned to Hoylake after a gap of 39 years, with Tiger Woods completing an emotional victory after the death of his father.

Shona Malcolm, Chief Executive officer of the Ladies’ Golf Union, said they were delighted to have added Royal Liverpool to their list of championship venues.

She said: “We are committed to staging our championship on the best courses, and in Britain that means the links courses, so for Royal Liverpool that augurs well for the future.”

To avoid a clash with the London Olympics, the 2012 event will move from its traditional July date to September 13-16.

It means Merseyside will host players such as world number one Lorena Ochoa and Michelle Wie twice in the space of three years. This year’s women’s Open takes place at Royal Birkdale, in Southport, on July 29-August 1.

The announcement will provide a further boost to the local economy with Sefton estimating this summer’s tournament could be worth up to £12million.