The Open: Billy Horschel expresses 'disappointment' at 'very odd' decision by tournament organisers

Multiple PGA Tour winner Billy Horschel says it's 'such a disappointment' and 'very odd' the R&A decided not to have designated bunker rakers at the 2025 Open Championship. 

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon confirmed the news on Wednesday during the governing body's annual press conference ahead of the final men's major of the year. 

At previous Opens, including here at Royal Portrush in 2019, the R&A used a British International Golf Greenkeepers Association volunteer support team to assist.

But that is not the case this week and instead players' caddies in the 156-man field will do the tidying up. Naturally, some folk are already suggesting there could be pace-of-play issues. 

Darbon said there a 'number of factors' why the decision was made, although when pressed he would not go into detail. 

"It's a change for us but we think a good one," he said, adding: "We just think it's a good model for us here at Portrush."

Horschel, who is sitting this week's Open out through injury, is clearly not a fan. 

"No designated bunker rakers this week is such a disappointment," he said on X. 

"I know the caddies love them, as well as the players. Very odd decision by The Open not to have them."

Not the only change

Elsewhere, tournament organisers of The Open have confirmed tee times are being brought forward on Saturday due to a band parade being held in the town. 

More than 70 bands are due to be involved in the event which is being organised by the Portrush Sons of Ulster. 

Darbon said tee times are being brought forward by roughly 15 minutes to ensure both events can take place.

It was previously reported the R&A offered the group £20,000 to postpone the event. 

Darbon did not confirm if this was the case. But he said as 'guests of the community' the R&A have contributed 'incremental costs' to the logistical operation. 

"We recognise that when we bring The Open Championship to town, we are a guest in the community in which we operate," he said. 

"On many occasions, there are concurrent events that take place around the action that we are very focused on here, within the rules of the venue.

"So, recognising the events that are taking place on Saturday, we have worked collaboratively with the organisers and across multi-agency groups to ensure, primarily, both events can run as seamlessly as possible.

"We are making a slight tweak to tee times to try and finish - it's not dramatic, maybe 15 minutes or so earlier.

"At the same time, this is an outdoor sport; the weather can play a big role.

"It's very difficult to be precise on finishing times, but we are looking at some marginal adjustments."