The Open will not display World Cup matches on spectator big screens at Royal Birkdale this weekend, tournament organizers have decided. The decision will stand even if England defeat Argentina in their semi-final on Wednesday to reach Sunday's final against Spain.
The decision mirrors a similar policy adopted by Wimbledon earlier this month. Open bosses face a potential scheduling conflict between the final round in Southport and the World Cup final's 8pm BST kick-off in New York.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon is scheduled to address the media on Wednesday morning on the eve of golf's oldest major to provide clarity regarding final-round tee times.
Possible Tee Time Adjustments
Organizers are discussing potential adjustments to bring Sunday tee times forward. Any shift depends on England advancing to the final and requires consultation with broadcast partners Sky Sports and NBC.
Sources at the R&A insist any adjustment to start times at the Southport links would be minor and certainly less than an hour. The change would aim to cover the possibility that the end of the final round overlaps with the football.
The leading group typically tees off around 2:30pm, providing a comfortable margin, but a play-off could lead fans to make a hasty departure before the Claret Jug presentation. Open bosses will consult Sky Sports and NBC on schedule feasibility, with no verdict made until the outcome of England's semi-final is known.
