- During that year’s British Open, climate protesters briefly disrupted play by throwing an orange substance onto the 17th green.
- American golfer Billy Horschel helped the greenside marshal clear one of the protesters off the green.
- Bill Horschel, Alex Noreen, and Corey Connors made par on the hole despite the handicap.
Environmental activists briefly disrupted play at the British Open on Friday by throwing an orange substance onto the 17th green at Royal Liverpool, prompting American player Billy Horschel to intervene.
Police and security guards moved quickly to prevent Just Stop Oil protesters from causing further disruption during the second round. The game resumed shortly after the protesters were removed.
Horschel was playing the hole at the time and helped the greenside marshal clear one of the protesters. Other players tied for 17th were Corey Connors and Alex Noreen. They were marking their balls and getting ready to hit their second shots when the disturbance started. All three players tied on the hole.
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The organizers cleaned up the affected area before the next group teed off.
Protesters, wearing white shirts emblazoned with the words “Just Stop Oil”, entered the raised green from all sides, which sat with the Irish Sea in the background. One of them had caught fire, police said.
A “Just Stop Oil” protester is escorted by police near the 17th hole during the second day of The Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on July 21, 2023 in Holyoke, England. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Two protesters were immediately escorted off the green, while two others were later escorted separately.
Two men and two women have been detained “on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage and public nuisance,” local police said in a statement.
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Just Stop Oil is an organization that wants the British government to stop new oil, gas and coal projects. It has disrupted several major sporting events in Britain in recent months, including Wimbledon, the Ashes cricket Test and the World Snooker Championship.
British Open organizers said before the tournament they were aware of the possibility that protesters were trying to disrupt the Open but “significant security measures are in place.” He advised the players not to get involved.
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The 17th hole attracted much of the attention before the Open after being redesigned to add drama to the tournament. It’s only listed at 136 yards but its elevated greens challenge players with steep slopes and deep bunkers.
The British Open started on Thursday and is scheduled to end on Sunday.
Source by [Fox News]
