FOR the past 10 years Southport people have been eagerly waiting for The Open to come back to Royal Birkdale.
As the curtains opened on Thursday morning, many hearts sank at the sight of black skies and heavy rain.
Worse was to come when power failed on the Northern Line, leaving hundreds of golf fans and other people travelling by train stuck at Formby Station.
Players then had to battle through tough conditions with Sandy Lyle heading for the sanctity of the 19th hole after just 10 holes.
The one thing the rain didn't dampen however was everyone's spirits.
There was a superb atmosphere around Royal Birkdale throughout the tournament, and indeed during the well-attended practise days.
Forget the credit crunch and a spot of rain - a second consecutive title win by Dubliner Padraig Harrington in front of 40,000 spectators on Sunday registered the weather chaos which threatened to tarnish the tournament a distant memory.
Barely as the first shot was hit - under black skies and pouring rain - talk was of a 'washout', whilst some feared that a tournament without golf's star Tiger Woods would render it forgettable.
48mph gales came and went - as did the threat of play being suspended - before, eventually, on Sunday morning, the sun came out.
And as that drop of sunshine fell upon Birkdale and illuminated the fantastic Harrington and the romantic sub-plots of 53-year old golfer Greg Norman and 20-year old amateur Chris Wood - it was clear that the 137th Open was one of the best.
More than 201,500 spectators lined the fairways of Royal Birkdale throughout the Open, breaking the course record of 192,500 set a decade ago. more than enjoyed golf's greatest spectacle the last time The Open was here, 10 years ago.
They were treated to some superb action, the sight of Britain's best course looking in immaculate condition and an extremely well-organised event.
Yes, some local people are not entirely happy, from those unhappy at being barred from Birkdale Beach, to others inconvenienced by heavy traffic, while some readers have contacted the Visiter angry that the £10 fee to use park and ride is 'exorbitant'.
On the whole though hundreds of people have invested months of effort to bring a first class event to Southport.
Comments from the many people, both about The Open and Southport generally, have been very positive.
Well done to everyone who helped make it such a huge success, from everyone at Royal Birkdale itself, to the hundreds of hoteliers, bar staff, waiters, chefs, shop workers, taxi drivers and evryone else who gave visitors such a warm Southport welsome.
What a shame we can't stage The Open every year!

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