Golf’s last major of the year is underway at Hoylake with many elite players plying their trade. Additionally, various media outlets are covering every moment live from the scene. The organizers are doing their best to have an event-free edition. But it’s not easy, there are challenges.
The R&A, the organizers of the ongoing Open Championship, are facing a unique kind of trouble. They have safety measurements in place but in the following case, it was a golfer who did something quite heroic to aid the organizers. Let’s find out who the golfer was and what exactly he did to earn praise.
American golfer Billy Horschel tackling a protestor
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This year, the environmental group “Just Stop Oil” has targeted a number of high-profile sporting events in the United Kingdom this summer, like Wimbledon and Ashes. Open organizers had highlighted prior to the event that they had taken additional security measures against these protestors. Players were advised not to engage with protestors but Billy Horschel used his own discretion.
While playing the 17th hole in his second round, Billy Horschel was momentarily interrupted by a group of “Just Stop Oil” protesters. Horschel intervened to assist in clearing the 17th Green of protesters and turned one of them over to the authorities. NUCLR Golf shared a video of him with the caption: ”@BillyHo_Golf handed over one of the Just Stop Oil protesters to police after they stormed the 17th hole with a smoke flare & orange powder. Billy got a huge applause from the crowd.”
🚨🛢️👮♀️@BillyHo_Golf handed over one of the Just Stop Oil protesters to police after they stormed the 17th hole with a smoke flare & orange powder.
Billy got a huge applause from the crowd 👏
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 21, 2023
After the incident, police have deployed one officer to each hole on the course. World No. 3 golfer Jon Rahm was aware that these protestors would be on the course and so prior to the incident he had made his point pretty clear that he doesn’t want to look bad on television. “I do have a reputation, so I hope they [the protestors] don’t catch me in a bad hole.”
Horschel taking matters into his own hands!
Horschel got the biggest applause for his action, not just from the onlookers. Many fans applauded Horschel’s action on social media as well. Some of the comments were just brilliant, showing the golfer in a terrific light.
Billy Ho taking matters into his own hands … literally. 👏 Well done 👏
— Keith Cook (@_KeithCook) July 21, 2023
Good for him. Thank you Billy.
— Ben Hogan 1953 (@TinCup2020) July 21, 2023
Thank you for your service @BillyHo_Golf
— Pompano Putin (@Egghead02125) July 21, 2023
Hell yeah Billy! @BillyHo_Golf 👏👏👏
— JoeyBoatwater (@JBoatwater) July 21, 2023
One fan commented that these protestors will definitely avoid the 36-year-old golfer next time.
Didn't do their research on which golfer to interrupt, billy would definitely be one to avoid 🤣👍
— db (@Pepeb72) July 21, 2023
While another said that the protesters were ultimately damaging their own reputation with their antics. Many would choose to avoid them rather than support their cause which indeed has merits.
These protesters are turning more against them than with them.
— Todd (@pilprin) July 21, 2023
One fan simply called Horschel a legend.
Legend!
— Ellis Reid (@Rustyboy1987) July 21, 2023
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Dang it, don't make me like you Bill Ho!
— Slater (@B_RadSlater) July 21, 2023
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Horschel’s quick decision made him the center of attention for sure. Only time will tell whether he makes the cut or not. But for now, Horschel would enjoy all the attention that he is getting. What do you think of the incident? Drop your comments below.