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The R&A is considering a plan to start the third round at this month’s Open Championship early to minimise disruption from a planned loyalist parade in Portrush. More than 60 bands and 2,000 participants are expected to begin their march through the streets of the town shortly after thousands of spectators would be leaving the sold-out Royal Portrush if organisers stuck to typical tee times.
The R&A has been concerned for some time about the logistical challenges associated with the simultaneous events on Saturday week. Significant congestion for people leaving the course, or thousands choosing to depart early to avoid this, have been uppermost in the thoughts of the major’s organisers. It was reported last month that the Portrush Sons of Ulster, who organise the parade, voted against rearranging their march after a request from the R&A. The third round of the Open would ordinarily finish at 8pm BST, with the parade due to commence at 8.15pm.
The R&A would not comment specifically on its preparations. However, it is understood that tee times will be adjusted. A spokesman for the R&A said: “We are working on plans to minimise disruption for our fans leaving the championship due to the event taking place in Portrush on the Saturday evening.”
How much leeway the R&A has remains to be seen due to live American television coverage requirements. The time change is therefore unlikely to be big but any alteration would still be notable.
R&A officials had previously promised to “explore potential mitigations to ensure fans can get home smoothly following the end of play”. Standard adult tickets for round three cost in excess of £120. The 153rd staging of the Open, which runs from 17-20 July, will be the biggest sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, before this week’s Scottish Open, Xander Schauffele has backed Keegan Bradley’s bid to be a playing captain for the United States in the Ryder Cup. Bradley’s recent win at the Travelers Championship opened up the concept of the dual role. “He’s playing the best golf of his career,” said Schauffele. “We just want our best 12 playing. He is just flying up that standings leaderboard.
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“Would I be surprised if he got into the top six and wasn’t even a conversation any more? I don’t think I’d be very surprised and I don’t think he would, either.”
