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Martin Slumbers has told bunkered.co.uk that the R&A plans to increase security to ensure spectator safety at this year’s Open Championship in light of recent terrorist atrocities in the UK.

There have been three high-profile attacks since the turn of the year, including a suicide bombing at a pop concert in Manchester, which claimed 22 lives.

That has brought security standards at large public events under greater scrutiny. However, with the Open Championship just weeks away, Slumbers has moved to reassure spectators that every precaution is being taken to ensure it passes without incident.

“Clearly, Manchester, which was just such a terrible event, has made everybody think again [about security] and needless to say, our first priority is to prioritise the safety of players and spectators,” he said.

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Martin Slumbers

“We will do whatever we’ve got to do to not just ensure that but to allow them to see that we’re doing that. That means you may well see more overt security this year than we’ve seen at any other Open.

“Inevitably, the sheer breadth of the golf course creates challenges but we have some outside consultants who are very experienced in dealing with such matters helping us, whilst the police are also extremely experienced in this area.

“The police team have been outstanding in the way they have communicated with us and are advising us. We are very much intelligence-led and we will take every precaution required to make sure our spectators are – and feel – safe.”


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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