Back to the Golf Newsfeed

R&A confident no repeat of Scottish Open incident with Rory McIlroy and fan

SANDWICH, England – Along with the 32,000 fans that are expected each day at The Open Championship are 32,000 potential problems for security officials. It’s a reality that became far too real at last week’s Scottish Open.

As Rory McIlroy was preparing to tee off for his second round at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, a fan wandered onto the tee and grabbed a club from the Northern Irishman’s bag. The 35-year-old man was arrested and taken to a local hospital.

That scene, and the fear of what could have happened, has been a powerful reminder for officials this week at Royal St.