Golf star applauded for fending off Just Stop Oil protest at The Open

21 July 2023 , 11:42

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Just Stop Oil disrupted The Open (Image: PA)

Just Stop Oil protestors were stopped in their tracks by PGA Tour star Billy Horschel after attempting to disrupt the second round of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool on Friday.

The incident happened on the 17th hole, as Horschel and his playing partners Corey Conners and Alex Noren made their way up the par three. As the protestor made their way onto the playing area, Horschel was quick to intervene.

The seven-time PGA Tour winner from Florida stopped the Just Stop Oil protestor from interrupting the event any further, who reportedly had already dropped orange powder over the playing surface.

Horschel then led the protestor in question to the on-running security, and was greeted with a cheer by the spectators watching on. Heading into the event there had been concerns that protestors would enter the course.

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This comes after the protest group have made their presence known at a whole host of sporting events in recent months, including the World Snooker Championships, The Ashes and most recently Wimbledon. Ahead of the event, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers addressed the issue of Just Stop Oil interrupting the event.

Slumbers admitted heading into the week that they had received now initial threat of protest from the group. He said: "We’ve had no direct intelligence. I think you’re aware that there was direct intelligence last year, and most people in this room don’t know that The Open was targeted last year.

The protestors were led away by police (PA)

“We have significant security procedures in place. We work clearly with the law enforcement agencies, and we’ll wait and see what happens." The Open boss went on to add that players were advised not to get involved with protestors, something not followed by Horschel.

“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," he added. Beyond that, I think security matters I need to keep confidential, and I hope you understand that, but I assure there’s enough sentiment in what I just spoke for your question.”

Joshua Lees