Hollywood superstar George Clooney was reportedly spotted in a traditional Merseyside pub while in the UK to watch The Open.

The famous golf tournament starts at the Royal Liverpool course in Hoylake, Wirral, on Thursday.

Ocean`s Eleven star Clooney enjoyed a quiet drink at the Ship Inn on Sunday, according to licensee Geoff Horrocks.

He said: "I didn`t notice him until somebody pointed him out, because we were quite busy.

"He sat out the front of the pub and the staff who served him said he was very pleasant.

"The old English pubs are very popular with Americans."

The Hoylake rumour mill is working overtime, with unconfirmed sightings of A-list stars including Samuel L Jackson and Bruce Willis wandering through the well-heeled suburb.

Residents of Wirral and Cheshire report hearing regular helicopter flights overhead as wealthy golfers and fans travel to the area, and paparazzi have been seen lurking near Liverpool hotels.

A spokeswoman for The Open declined to confirm if any famous guests were present.

She said: "We only care about the golf, not which celebrities may have been seen." (source:utvinternet.com)