Martin Slumbers, R&A’s CEO, admitted to the media that last year, activists targeted the Open Championship. Although the threat was put down, he acknowledged the possibility of the same happening this year.
“We have implemented significant security measures.” Slumbers stated that they work with law enforcement agencies and will wait to see what happens. You will have seen we told the players to not get involved. I still stand by this. We have the necessary tools to handle it.
Slumbers’ prediction was accurate, as members of the environmental group Just Stop Oil attempted to leave a mark at Royal Liverpool during Friday’s second round. However, the group met with little success.
The organizers of “Just Stop Oil” are appealing to the British government not to grant any new licenses for oil, coal and gas projects. The group has appeared at events such as horse racing, cricket and tennis.
Security tackled a patron with a backpack when he removed an orange hat. Orange is the designated color for this group.
Billy Horschel was able to remove a protester after an orange flare had been fired into the air at the 17th green. Horschel played with Alex Noren, Corey Conners.
R&A issued a press release indicating that four arrests had been made.
The statement said: “Play did not get disrupted, and we thank the marshals, the players and the other spectators for being vigilant and understanding while the protesters left.”
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Two protesters were arrested at Wimbledon two weeks back after they disrupted a match with orange confetti.
Oil in One: Stop oil disruption at the open
Just Stop Oil supporters disrupted The British Open. They demand that the UK Government halts any new oil and gas project.
Sign up to take action at https://t.co/7BzUVS02dZ pic.twitter.com/egEbEtPmdN
Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil). July 21, 2020
Adam Schupak, Golfweek’s Adam Schupak, contributed to this report.
