The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale this summer could face a schedule change as organisers seek to avoid a clash with the World Cup final. The R&A has admitted they are conscious of other events on the same date and will try to prevent an overlap.
Potential Conflict on July 19
Scottie Scheffler will defend the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale, with the final round scheduled for Sunday, July 19. That same day, the World Cup final will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sports fans are eagerly anticipating a day of back-to-back viewing, but the timing could pose a problem for Open organisers.
Last year, Scheffler began his final round at Royal Portrush at 2:25 PM and was still in his press conference at 8 PM, the same time the World Cup final kicks off this year. A playoff at Birkdale, where a record 300,000 spectators are expected, could see the two events overlap, costing the R&A a significant portion of their television audience, especially if England reaches the final.
R&A's Response
When asked about moving the final round tee times earlier, chief executive Mark Darbon said: "We're obviously conscious of other events happening on that date. As we approach the championship, we'll ensure we try and avoid that clash wherever possible." He added: "Of course, some things are out of our control in terms of playoffs and the like, but we will attempt to avoid a clash. I think we're all looking forward to an England-Scotland final, so let's see how that plays out."
Open to Return to Royal Lytham in 2028
The R&A has also confirmed that the Open will return to Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028 after a 16-year absence. Ernie Els was the last winner at the Lancashire course in 2012. Darbon expressed excitement about bringing the event back, noting the challenges overcome: "Lytham is a wonderful golf course. There's been a series of changes that have taken place over the last few years there, which I think both we and the club feel have continued to elevate that golfing experience." He added: "It's not the easiest of our sites to operate. So we have to be thoughtful about how we manage everything that goes with a modern Open Championship there."
