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.