R&A boss reveals 'senior player' targeted by environmental activist at The Open

Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of the R&A, has revealed the targeting of a 'high-profile' player by an environmental activist during the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews was snared thanks to a journalist. 

The 54-year-old made the revelation whilst giving his annual news conference ahead of the Open Championship, which is being staged at Royal Liverpool this year.

There is speculation Just Stop Oil will target the 151st edition of the oldest major in professional golf at Hoylake this week. 

Players and caddies have been briefed not to take matters into their own hands should the group breach security. 

Jon Rahm joked the group should not catch him 'on a bad hole' owing to his fiery temper. "I do have a reputation," he said. 

Slumbers would not discuss the security measures in place, but was robust in his response.

He told reporters he was confident the R&A have the security measures in place to deal with Just Stop Oil, explaining:

Slumbers was asked to elaborate on what, precisely, happened at St. Andrews last July. 

He added: 

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BREAKING: Just Stop Oil Paint the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero



This morning, 2 supporters of Just Stop Oil have painted the department responsible for issuing over 100 new oil and gas licences in the UK.



Sign up to take action at https://t.co/7BzUVS02dZ pic.twitter.com/wQwHVKoN8K

— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) July 19, 2023

The 150th Open Championship was won by Cameron Smith. He tore round the Old Course to break the heart of Rory McIlroy. 

McIlroy could have been the high-profile player Slumbers was referring to but it is anyone's guess. Maybe it was Tiger Woods?! 

The Northern Irishman begins his Claret Jug bid alongside former World No. 1 Justin Rose and reigning Masters champion Rahm on Thursday. 

More GolfMagic articles from the 2023 Open Championship

• The coolest thing about The Open, according to Rory
• Why Tiger Woods isn't playing The Open
• WATCH: Jordan Spieth channels inner child before 151st Open
• Henrik Stenson comes out swinging (!) in defence of LIV Golf ahead of The Open
• Cameron Smith fires warning to Rory McIlroy (and co) ahead of Open title defence
• Cameron Smith makes case for LIV Golf's Greg Norman ahead of The Open
• Rory McIlroy snubs media duties for second (!) major in a row
• Oliver Wilson on fighting back, LIV Golf fears and holding back tears
• Brooks Koepka fires back at Rory McIlroy question ahead of The Open: "Ask him"
• Paige Spiranac reminds us all one very important thing before The Open
• Report: Players at The Open briefed about what to do if Just Stop Oil show
• Jon Rahm backs Monahan but fires LIV warning: "Punishment should be in
• Matthew Fitzpatrick on unlikely Open scenario?! "It would be my worst nightmare"

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