Jon Rahm hopes he doesn't get caught in the middle of environmental protests at Open
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 July 2023
The Spaniard warned any would-be protesters that he has a "reputation" and they wouldn't want to catch him on a bad hole.
Masters champion Jon Rahm joked that any would-be protesters invading the course at the Open had better hope they catch him on a good day.
The world number three is known for the occasional fiery on-course outburst and sent a light-hearted warning to anybody intending to disrupt proceedings at Royal Liverpool this week.
Environmental group Just Stop Oil have already targeted Wimbledon and the Ashes, where at the Lord's Test England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow physically manhandled one invader off the pitch and over the boundary rope.
"I do have a reputation so I hope they don't catch me on a bad hole," said the Spaniard.
"I've seen a couple of those things. I know they're going for an impact.
"I saw a couple of them intervening in Wimbledon and obviously this looks like it could be a perfect spot but we have nothing to do with it."
The Hoylake links' sprawling acreage means it is impossible to police every inch of the course, but according to reports, players have been briefed about the possibility of disruption during play and have reassured marshals and security are in place to deal with any incident.
Asked about the R&A's guidance, Rahm added: "We haven't been told - at least I haven't. We might start hearing it tomorrow or even on Thursday morning. I wouldn't know.
"You don't want to disrupt play, which they're trying, so if it happens where I'm at I'm obviously going to try to clean up as quickly as possible so we can resume play.
"Being a golf course in a bigger area so they might have more room to run around and do what they need to do, but what I can assure you is you don't want to get hit by a golf ball.
"Whether it's on purpose or even by accident, you don't want to be caught in the middle of that."
