The R&A is considering a plan to start the third round early at the Open Championship this month, 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 town streets 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 tournament’s organisers.
It was reported last month that the Portrush Sons of Ulster, who organise the parade, voted against rearranging their march despite 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. It is understood, however, that tee times will be adjusted. 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.”
How much leeway the R&A has remains to be seen because of live American television coverage requirements. The time change is therefore unlikely to be big, but any alteration would be notable.
R&A officials had promised previously to “explore potential mitigations to ensure fans can get home smoothly following the end of play”. Standard adult tickets for round three cost more than £120. The 153rd staging of the Open, which runs from 17 to 20 July, will be the biggest sporting event to take place in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, before the Scottish Open this week, Xander Schauffele has backed Keegan Bradley’s bid to be a playing captain for the US in the Ryder Cup in September.
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,” Schauffele said. “We just want our best 12 playing. He is just flying up that standings leaderboard. 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.”
