Prior to the start of play at the 151st Open Championship, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers admitted that activists had targeted last year’s tournament and although the threat was snuffed out, he conceded the same might happen this year.
“We have significant security procedures in place. We work clearly with the law enforcement agencies, and we’ll wait and see what happens,” Slumbers said. “You will have seen that we advised the players, please don’t get involved, and I stand by that. We have enough things in place to be able to deal with it.”
As Slumbers predicted, members associated with the environmental group “Just Stop Oil” attempted to make a mark on the activity at Royal Liverpool on Friday during the second round, although the group had little success.
“Just Stop Oil” organizers are pleading with the British government to stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects. The group has made appearances at cricket, tennis and horse racing events.
One patron wearing a backpack was tackled by security when he pulled out an orange hat, which is the group’s designated color.
And Billy Horschel walked a protester off after an orange flare was fired in the air on the 17th green. Horschel was playing with Alex Noren and Corey Conners.
The R&A released a statement that indicated four arrests were made.
“Play was not disrupted and we would like to thank marshals, players and other spectators for their vigilance and understanding as the protesters were removed,” the statement read.
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At Wimbledon two weeks ago, two protesters were arrested after running onto one of the courts and disrupting a match by throwing orange confetti.
🏌️ Oil in One: Just Stop Oil Disrupt The Open
⛳ Three Just Stop Oil Supporters have disrupted the The British Open – they demand that the UK government halts all new oil and gas projects.
🖋 Sign up to take action at https://t.co/7BzUVS02dZ pic.twitter.com/egEbEtPmdN
— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) July 21, 2023
— Golfweek’s Adam Schupak contributed to this report.
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