AN area where golf is banned for the general public could be brought into use as a practice range for those taking part in a major tournament later this summer.

This August historic links courses the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake and Wallasey Golf Club will play host to the 87th Boys Amateur Championship.

The Dips in New Brighton are understood to be the preferred option for the location of a practice range for young golfers preparing for the tournament, organised by the Royal & Ancient, who also organise the Open.

Cllr Chris Meaden, Wirral council cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “We’re really looking to welcoming the Junior Open Championships back to Wirral later in the year. We’ll be working with the organisers to ensure that the event is as successful as it can be and we’ll also be looking to use the tournament as much as possible to help us promote the benefits of golf participation to young people from Wirral.”

The Royal Liverpool, known as one of Britain's finest links challenges, has a long history of hosting top amateur events. It has hosted The Open Championship 11 times with golf's oldest Major set to return in 2014.

Wallasey Golf Club, known as the home of Stableford, is also a historic location. The Stableford scoring system was devised by Dr Frank Stableford, a member of the club and its captain in 1936.

The location of the Dips has been put forward by the council after golfers practising at nearby Harrison park for previous tournaments led to complaints from locals.

However it is understood the authority is still in discussions with the R&A on a final decision.

A council spokesman said: “The Dips in New Brighton is just one of a number of locations under consideration to host practice sessions for this year’s Junior Open Golf Championship.

“We’re in the very early stages of talking to a range of interested parties, including ward councillors – no decisions have been made.”