MOVIE stars, golfing pros and fans alike have descended on Lytham St Annes this week as the world famous Open Golf Championship takes off.

Everyone is getting into the swing of things and not just going golf crazy as reports of sightings of the stars are turning up on every street corner.

If stories are to be believed, Tom Cruise has been seen in various pubs in Blackpool and Lytham and Tiger Woods and Tom Hanks have even been spotted shopping together in Kwik-Save!

Perhaps these star-spotters have had one too many at one of the local pubs, all of which are getting into the full spirit of the event and enjoying the massive influx of punters.

Golf fanatic Ian Rigg, manager of the popular sporting Lytham pub The Taps on Henry Street has gone to extraordinary lengths to think up something a little bit different to honour the golf championship.

Ian has miraculously transformed his pub into a mini golf course by laying a perfect green carpet of turf throughout the establishment.

He explained: "We did it five years ago and everyone was asking for it again this time.

"The only difference is that previously we had sheep grazing on it.

"With the foot and mouth precautions this year that has been impossible, and now I have to mow it myself each morning after it has been watered!

The 55-year-old laid the turf on Sunday and it is in peak condition as the golf began this week.

The turf cost him £300 and comes from a friend's farm in Blackburn.

Ian has already enjoyed the company of Jason Connery (Sean Connery's son), Sam Torrance and Tom Lehman in his pub.

Similarly, Tiggis restaurant on Wood Street, St Annes, has already played host to Tom Lehman, who insists on eating the same dish at the renowned Italian on all his visits.

Manager Romano Ruscitti said: "He has eaten here the last two evenings and is expected for the rest of the competition.

"We have renamed his favourite pasta dish the Lehman Special.

"Other golfers who have eaten here this week include John Daley and Sergio Garcia. They are all really friendly and down to earth and create a great atmosphere in the place."

Tiggis is packed out each night as are all other local restaurants including Jack's Bistro on Wood Street, where proprietor Keith Blackburn told the Citizen: "This week business has tripled.

"The build up began in June and is now at its peak, I have even had to hire extra staff for the event -- it is simply brilliant."

This year is the 75th anniversary of the first time the Championship was held at Lytham.

Close to 200,000 visitors are expected this time, bringing with them a massive windfall estimated at £15 million.

Lytham's Mayor Patricia Fieldhouse is delighted with all the coverage and excitement the golf brings with it as she said: "It puts us firmly on the world map and has a great effect on our tourist industry.

"All hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area are full and there is a similar spin-off for local shops and businesses.

"I know for a fact already that later in the season there will be a huge influx of overseas visitors to the area after seeing it on TV."

There have been around 150 police officers and police personnel drafted in from surrounding areas to ensure safety at the event and help direct the immense traffic flow.