Sports Journalism students report from The Open at Royal Liverpool

Two Liverpool John Moores University sports journalism students are enjoying a week to remember, covering the world’s biggest golf tournament.

Merseysportlive, the digital sports platform run by JMU sports journalism students, secured media accreditation to cover the 151^st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool GC in Hoylake.

And James Cranford, a second year BA Sports Journalism student, has been taking full advantage creating great content for social media, full round-up pieces for the website, and attending press conferences and interviews with players.

James attended on practice day and on each of the rounds, attending press conferences and mixed zone interview areas.

Meanwhile, MA Sports Journalism student Ben Izzard has been working at the tournament as part of the R&A media comms team.

Ben secured a paid internship with the R&A as part of his NCTJ-accredited MA Sports Journalism course.

The Open is one of many elite sporting events that Merseysportlive has been able to secure access to for BA and MA sports journalism students.

MA programme leader Pete Leydon, who also attended The Open on day one, said: “It’s not often one of the biggest global sporting events takes place on your doorstep.

“It’s nine years since The Open was last at Royal Liverpool - so we were keen to take full advantage and provide an incredible opportunity for our sports journalism students.

“But it’s no free meal! James and Ben have been working really hard creating a variety of content for all the Merseysportlive platforms, and helping the R&A liaise with hundreds of journalists from all over the globe.

“This real-world industry experience is invaluable and being able to tee up these opportunities is what makes our courses at LJMU standout from the crowd.”

Image: MA Sports Journalism student Ben Izzard at The Open Media Centre