Open tee-times could be adjusted due to loyalist parade in Portrush
More than 60 bands and 2,000 people are expected to march through the town as part of a Portrush Sons of Ulster parade on Saturday July 20, which would clash with the day's golfing action coming to a close.
That means thousands of spectators would be flooding out of the Dunluce Links and back into the town as the parade was getting under way, which could pose logistical problems for both parties.
Just under 50,000 spectators are expected to flock to Royal Portrush for the sold-out tournament each day, while the streets will be lined for the annual Sons of Ulster parade after the organisation voted not to change the date of their march.
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The parade is scheduled to begin at 8:15pm, with the third round of The Open typically finishing at around 8pm, with a significant number of fans set to travel by public transport which would require them to return to the centre of the town to catch either a bus or a train.
In a statement to The Guardian, a spokesperson 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.'
It is not believed that there is much wiggle room for the R&A as the tee times have to align with broadcast windows in the United States, meaning that while the start of the day's play could be moved forward it will not be by a considerable amount.
With 278,000 fans heading to Royal Portrush over the course of the week, the 153rd Open is set to be the biggest sporting event in Northern Irish history.
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