The 154th Open Championship saw the world’s best golfers and a record number of fans descend on Merseyside – but it is the local economy that will be feeling the biggest boost for some time to come.More than 300,000 fans travelled from across the country and even from as far as Australia and the United States to watch the likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler battle it out at the formidable Royal Birkdale in Southport.And analysis from Mastercard shows it wasn’t just the lucky punters that hit the jackport over the course of the week either.Local Merseyside businesses are forecasted to experience a 100 per cent rise in spending – with pubs, restaurants and hotels in the area set to be the biggest winners.It follows a similar boom experienced after last year’s Open at Portrush, where the tournament generated £89.2m for the Northern Ireland economy. Shane Lowry was one of a host of big names competing at Royal Birkdale Merseyside businesses are forecasted to report a 100 per cent increase in spending while the Open was in townThe year before that, when Royal Troon played host to golf’s oldest major, £87.3m was generated for the Scottish economy.Natalia Lechmanova, Chief Economist Europe at Mastercard Economics Institute, said: ‘The Open continues to demonstrate how major sporting events can deliver meaningful economic benefits for host communities. With Liverpool’s strong tourism and hospitality offer, the economic impact of this year’s Championship is expected to extend well beyond the course itself.‘This also reflects the growing importance of the experience economy, as consumers continue to prioritise spending on meaningful and memorable live events.’A lucky few at Royal Birkdale were fortunate enough to enjoy the very best seat in the house in the Patron’s Pavilion, situated alongside the 18th fairway.That opportunity came through Mastercard’s Priceless.com platform, where cardholders enjoy a range of benefits – including ground access tickets to all days of the Open with full hospitality.Spending within 5km of Portrush was around 119 per cent higher than on a typical day last year – with local bars and restaurants seeing spending spike by 234 per cent and 95 per cent respectively.And while hometown hero Tommy Fleetwood’s quest for a maiden major fell away on Sunday, it is the local, independent business owners who will be celebrating a fabulous week of world-class golf for some time to come.