Merseyside police will launch an unprecedented and large‑scale security effort around the 151st Open Championship, including deployment of plain clothes officers, as the threat of protest lingers with Just Stop Oil having targeted high-profile events throughout the summer.
Traders have priced the Open as odds-on to be the next competition targeted by the movement trying to force the government to end new fossil fuel licensing and production, and Open attendees have been warned to prepare for stringent security checks upon arrival at Royal Liverpool.
Players and caddies, meanwhile, have been issued with instructions by the R&A urging them not to tackle any protester who may try to disrupt the tournament in the wake of the England player Jonny Bairstow’s actions at the Lord’s Ashes Test.
The World Snooker Championship, the Grand National, rugby’s Premiership final, the Ashes and Wimbledon have all been affected by Just Stop Oil protests. Odds released on Monday afternoon by SportsLens had the Open at 4/7 to be hit by further activism. The damaging of Hoylake greens, as an example, could cause significant problems at the Open.
Merseyside police, who also preside over the Grand National, say “contingency plans are in place to allow visitors enjoy the Open with minimal disruption”. More than 260,000 golf fans are expected in Hoylake during Open week.
Chief superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “The public should expect to see high‑visibility policing across the event as we complement and support other security agencies.
“There are a number of plans and processes in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to spectators and local residents and businesses. Antisocial behaviour, disorder and criminal activity will not be tolerated, and we will be robust with anyone who behaves in such a manner.
“Visitors can help the organisers by giving themselves extra time to get to the course, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along. They should also expect to undergo the normal security checks, including bag searches.
“Additionally, we will be deploying Project Servator officers in uniform and plain-clothes. These officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.”
The R&A has offered no comment on the potential for protests. Hoylake has been hit by protests before; in 2006, Fathers For Justice campaigners threw dye on the 18th green as Tiger Woods approached at the end of round four.
