What's happened
The 2028 Open Championship will be played from August 3-6, later than usual, to avoid clashing with the Los Angeles Olympics from July 19-29. The venue is yet to be announced, but the move aligns with the Olympic schedule, with The Open returning to mid-July in 2029.
What's behind the headline?
The rescheduling of The Open to August in 2028 reflects the logistical challenges of hosting major golf tournaments alongside the Olympics. This move underscores the growing importance of golf's inclusion in the Olympics, despite some criticism about the timing. The decision to return to mid-July in 2029 indicates a commitment to traditional scheduling, but the 2028 shift could impact player participation, especially among top American golfers who may prioritize Olympic appearances. The potential venue choices suggest a strategic effort to maintain the tournament's prestige and accessibility, with possible new locations like Portmarnock offering fresh appeal. Overall, this adjustment highlights the evolving landscape of international sports calendars and the balancing act required to accommodate multiple major events within a crowded schedule.
What the papers say
The Scotsman reports that The Open will be played from August 3-6, 2028, due to the Los Angeles Olympics, with the venue still to be announced. Mark Darbon, CEO of The R&A, emphasized the collaborative effort to coordinate dates and confirmed a return to mid-July in 2029. The Japan Times highlights that The Open has traditionally been held in July, with the 2028 event being an exception. AP News notes the specific dates of the Olympics (July 14-30) and the impact on the tournament's scheduling, also mentioning the move of the Women’s and Senior Opens to August 2028. All sources agree that the venue is yet to be finalized, with potential sites including Portmarnock, Muirfield, Turnberry, or Royal Lytham.
How we got here
Traditionally, The Open has been held in July since 1936, with the last exception in 1893. The 2028 event is being rescheduled due to the Los Angeles Olympics, which will take place from July 19-29. The R&A has coordinated with stakeholders to adjust the dates, ensuring the tournament does not conflict with Olympic golf competitions. The venue for 2028 remains to be announced, with potential sites including Portmarnock, Muirfield, Turnberry, or Royal Lytham.
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The 2028 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXIV Olympiad, and commonly stylized as LA28, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from July 21 to August 6, 2028, in Los Angeles, California, Unit