World Cup dilemma for English golfers at The Open

English golfers face a World Cup dilemma after eight players were handed tee times before 08:00 BST for Thursday's opening round of The Open.

England's semi-final against Argentina kicks off in Atlanta at 20:00 BST on Wednesday, with the first group on the course at Royal Birkdale at 06:35 the following morning.

Players typically arrive at the course up to two hours before they tee off and Royal Birkdale's Matthew Baldwin will hit the tournament's opening shot, with an English player featuring in each of the first eight groups.

World number 10 Justin Rose will begin his tournament at 09:36.

"I was hoping for a later tee time," said the 2016 Olympic champion who said he will be watching the match.

"I'd take a win on penalties if it happened, but we're looking for a short, sharp match and a reasonable bedtime.

"I'm going to watch it with an eye on what's important for me and not get too high and low and keep my own emotions in check. We've got big things as well to do this week.

"It's a match where if you think that you're not going to watch it, you're probably kidding yourself."

Sheffield United supporter Matt Fitzpatrick got his wish of a later start on Thursday, followed by an early start on Friday.

Before the tee-times had been announced on Monday he said: "If anyone's listening, I really hope it's a late/early. It would be nice if all the English lads were late/early. That would be great."

Fitzpatrick will tee off at 15:15. However, his brother Alex did not and is out at 07:19 in round one.