Open could start earlier to avoid World Cup clash

The Open Championship's final round may be brought forward in an "attempt to avoid a clash" with the World Cup final this summer.

Golf's oldest major, which is being played at Royal Birkdale in Southport, finishes on Sunday, 19 July, the same day as football's showpiece takes place in the United States.

The World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is scheduled to kick-off at 20:00 BST, while The Open's final round traditionally finishes around 18:30.

"We're conscious of other events happening on that date," said R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.

"Of course, some things are out of our control in terms of play-offs 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."

Should two or more players be tied for the lead at the end of the four rounds, a three-hole play-off will determine the winner, with sudden death holes following if required.

Darbon also announced that this year's Open will attract a record crowd of more than 300,000 spectators across the week, with practice days from 12-15 July before the first round is played on Thursday, 16 July.

And in an effort to "elongate the event week" the R&A has introduced the 'Last-Chance Qualifier' to be held on Monday, 13 July.

That will feature 12 players competing over 18 holes with the winner securing the 156th and last place in the Championship.

"We have had over one million applications the last few years for tickets, and we're absolutely at capacity on our championship days," said Darbon.

"Our attendance on the practice days is really strong, but we wanted to create additional things for them to see, and do that sensitively and in line with the context and nature of the rest of our championship.

"The Last-Chance Qualifier fits that ambition. We're looking forward to see how that goes this year, and we'll resolve and refine it into the future."

Another new initiative will see the likes of former Birkdale Open winners Jordan Spieth and Padraig Harrington play alongside local favourite Tommy Fleetwood and fellow Englishman Justin Rose in a 'Heroes Classic' on the Tuesday.

The three-hole competition will see teams of three play a Texas scramble format which will give all players the opportunity to hit shots.

"If we can create a memory that inspires someone to be involved in the game and dream big, that is a wonderful thing," said Fleetwood, who is from Southport.

Rose, who shot to fame as an amateur when he finished joint fourth at Birkdale in 1998, added: "The Open in 1998 was a special moment and brings back so many fond memories, especially winning the Silver Medal as a young amateur.

"To return now, in a different stage of my career, is something I'm excited about."

Reigning AIG Women's Open champion Miyu Yamashita and G4D Champion Brendan Lawlor are also taking part, alongside high-profile figures from sport and entertainment, including R&A ambassadors Bryan Habana and Kathryn Newton.