There has been a steady spike of complications around the golfing circuits in recent times. Pushing aside the controversy of PGA golfers defecting to LIV Golf, there is still a boatload of topics that raise eyebrows. The $3 billion merger, for one, incited the players, and stakeholders from the PGA Tour as well as their fans.

Next came the decision of several LIV Golfers withdrawing from the PGA events, followed by fans reacting to LIV Golfers attending the Open Championship. But now, there is an unprecedented and unwarranted problem that stems from outside the golfing community. Let’s find out more.

The Open Championship is on high-security alert

For those who are familiar with the activists protesting the oil permits, you already know the havoc they are causing in England. The ‘Just Stop Oil’ movement is against the production and purchase of fossil fuels, which is a noteworthy cause if they weren’t disrupting people’s lives.

Also read: LPGA Star Joins Hall of Famer and Golf World in Protesting Against ‘Unbearable’ and ‘Awful’ Coverage of $2,000,000 Women’s Event

The latest havoc in England is at the behest of zealots of the cause showing up at major sporting events and distracting the players and the audience. Given that golf is a mental game that requires high concentration and a certain amount of calculation to get the shots just right. Couple that with the gravity of the Open Championship, it is an absolute necessity to have heightened security on the grounds. And that is precisely what the organizers did.

The local police department is going to take a hands-on approach to dissuade any activists at the event. They also issued a statement as per Golf Digest saying, “contingency plans are in place to allow visitors enjoy the Open with minimal disruption.” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also commented on the situation, “[the protestors] Not content with disrupting our summer and cherished sporting events, they are essentially leading us into an energy surrender.”

Needless to say, the Open Championship 2023 is going to make headlines for more than one reason. All we can hope for is no one gets hurt. The golfers are advised to call for security in case of any interruptions. They are also instructed not to indulge the protestors in any way, including dealing with them personally.

The rising menace of protesters; Wimbledon and Ashes already stormed

Of late, the activist group has been hand-picking headliner sporting events to propagate their cause. They were seen at Wimbledon this week as well as at an Ashes cricket Test match. Their not-so-peaceful protest inspired one of the Crusaders to charge into the field. Annoyed by the interruption, English cricketer Jonny Bairstow picked up the zealot and delivered him to the stands.

Although the incident was funny to watch for audiences, the disruption and their passion is starting to pose a real danger for celebrity sportspeople. Thus, the high alert declared for the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool will surely serve a much deeper purpose to keep the golfers safe.

Perhaps the tighter security protocol around Hoylake’s esteemed golf course will discourage the protestors from showing up to high-profile events. Do you think the heightened security measures will help with the safety of players and audiences at Hoylake? What are your thoughts on the cause of the protest? Share your opinions with us below.

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