R&A Plans Open Final-Day Adjustments to Avoid World Cup Final Overlap

The golf body is weighing earlier tee times so spectators can watch the soccer final without missing The Open’s finish.

Overview

R&A chief Mark Darbon said the organization can handle a July 19 conflict with the FIFA World Cup final by reworking The Open’s final-round schedule.
Officials are considering an earlier start to create a clean TV window and help fans at Royal Birkdale get home to watch the match.
The World Cup final is set for 3 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and The Open typically wraps about 90 minutes before that unless a playoff is needed.
Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, hosts the 154th Open this summer, with Scottie Scheffler returning as the defending champion after his 2025 win at Royal Portrush.
The R&A confirmed St Andrews before Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2028, and Darbon cited logistics as a hurdle for Turnberry while noting Portmarnock remains under active review.