The R&A have reportedly discussed the possibility of The Open Championship's final round clashing with England playing in the World Cup final. It is said that the tournament's organisers will delay any decision on a potential change to tee times until after the Three Lions play Argentina in the semi-finals.
Potential Clash Details
Winning on Wednesday would see England feature in a World Cup final for just the second time. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST, which could lead to any play-off overlapping. The leading group usually tee off five-and-a-half hours earlier at 2:30pm. However, that time could be pushed forward to accommodate.
It would not be a significant change, though. The Daily Mail cites R&A sources when claiming there would be less than an hour's difference. The tournament's broadcasters, NBC and Sky, will reportedly be consulted on the feasibility of altering the schedule if need be.
R&A Chief Executive's Comments
The potential clash is something that R&A chief executive Mark Darbon acknowledged earlier this year. He said in late April: "We're conscious of other events happening on that date (19 July). 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."
England's World Cup Journey
The Three Lions are one game away from keeping up their end of the bargain. Scotland, however, went out at the earliest possible opportunity after failing to reach the knockout rounds. England making it to the semi-finals for just the fourth time ever means they are guaranteed to be playing two more matches in the United States. That is because if they lose their semi-final, they will play in the match for third place against whoever does not win out of France and Spain.
However, their possible participation in that game will be of little concern to the R&A, as it is due to start at 10pm BST. Therefore, it will not clash with the third round on Saturday.
Harry Kane's Golf with Donald Trump
The subject of golf came up during an England press conference before their quarter-final against Norway when Harry Kane spoke about playing 18 months ago in Florida with Donald Trump. He said: "I played alright, to be honest. He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach. So yeah, when the president invites you somewhere... It was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him. His golf is pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I'm his age, that's for sure. A unique experience, but I was just grateful that he invited me to play."
Trump has previously said: "I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him, and I like him a lot. He's a good golfer, too. He's really great."
