Play at the British Open experienced a brief interruption on Friday when environmental activists scattered an orange powder near the 17th green at Royal Liverpool. American golfer Billy Horschel assisted in escorting one of the protestors off the course.
Security personnel and police acted swiftly to minimize the disruption caused by the Just Stop Oil demonstrators during the second round of the tournament. Play resumed shortly after the protestors were removed.
Horschel, who was playing the 17th hole at the time, aided a marshal in leading one protestor away. Fellow golfers Corey Conners and Alex Noren were also on the 17th, preparing their second shots when the incident occurred. Despite the interruption, all three players managed to par the hole.
Tournament organizers cleaned the affected area before the subsequent group teed off.
The protestors, clad in white shirts bearing the "Just Stop Oil" slogan, approached the elevated green from both sides. One protestor was reportedly carrying a flare.
Two protestors were immediately removed from the green, with two more escorted away shortly thereafter. Local law enforcement confirmed that two men and two women were apprehended under suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and public nuisance.
Just Stop Oil, an organization advocating for the cessation of new oil, gas, and coal projects in Britain, has recently disrupted several major sporting events, including Wimbledon, an Ashes cricket test, and the world snooker championship.
British Open organizers had anticipated potential disruptions by protestors and implemented heightened security measures, advising players to avoid direct involvement.
The redesigned 17th hole, intended to add an element of excitement to the tournament, had already garnered considerable attention. Despite measuring only 136 yards, its elevated green, steep slopes, and deep bunkers present a significant challenge for players.
The British Open commenced on Thursday and is slated to conclude on Sunday.
