Local resident David Marsden said: “Granting this application establishes a worrying precedent – that our public parks are at the disposal of commercial interests.”
While the land would be fenced off, a gate would have to be kept open to allow public access under the terms understood to have been agreed with Sefton Council, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
The R&A does not own golf clubs or courses, but is responsible for organising major tournaments such as The Open, and is one of the sport’s main governing bodies worldwide.
A spokesman for The R&A, said: “A new grass practice tee pad is required to stage The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale and future championships.
“Utilising a small parcel of land adjacent to Hillside Golf Club for the tee pad is the only viable option.
“Public access to the area will be protected and the land will remain public under the planned lease arrangements.
“The public will be able to use the footpath as normal and the change will deliver a 10% net biodiversity benefit.”
