R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers has defended the decision by golf’s governing bodies that will cost the game’s biggest hitters up to 15 yards in driving distance.

The R&A and USGA have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organisers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.

R&A chief Martin Slumbers last night quashed all rumours that the Championship committee is planning to bring The Open to Portmarnock in the short term.

Travel abroad might be in doubt right now but The R&A yesterday expressed “cautious optimism” about welcoming spectators to The Open in July.

The R&A today confirmed that The 151st Open will be played at Royal Liverpool from 16-23 July 2023 and The 152nd Open will be played at Royal Troon from 14-21 July 2024.

Rory McIlroy will put family time ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open as he faces a five-week battle for FedEx Cup and US Open glory.