Two injuries in two days: are golfing spectators safe?
A spectator was struck in the eye by Brooks Koepka’s stray shot during the opening day of the Ryder Cup and has suffered lasting injuries.
Only two days after, a spectator at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship was struck in the forehead by a wayward shot from the defending champion Tyrell Hatton.
After two incidents in the space of two days, can golf clubs do more to protect their spectators?
Richard Adams, General Manager of South Winchester golf course, said: “There could be more signs explaining the rules of the fore shout.
“The pros are asked to shout fore, and when you hear that shout you don’t look for the ball in the air, you turn away.
“Giving everyone a helmet and goggles is not feasible, and they wouldn’t be able to enjoy the golf.
“I think each person has their own responsibility when it comes to safety.”
The use of mobile phones has been criticised in the past as they can easily distract spectators from the direction of the ball.
Do you think there should be more protocols in place to ensure the safety of golfing spectators? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
