Ryder Cup security tightened

The Ryder Cup was postponed after the terrorist attacks

By Saj Chowdhury BBC Sport Online

Security at this year's Ryder Cup at The Belfry will be the strictest ever seen at the event, BBC Sport Online has learned.

Spectators will be banned from bringing mobile phones and cameras to the contest, which takes place from 27 to 29 September.

  Banned from The Belfry

Spectators will not be allowed to have:

Mobile phones

Cameras

Audible pagers

Ladders

Picnic baskets

Briefcases

Portable televisions

Push chairs

Bicycles

Lawn chairs

Bags, rucksacks, backpacks or carryalls larger than 8ins (20cm) sq

Ugly crowd scenes at the 1999 event at Brookline and anxiety following the 11 September attacks have led those responsible for security, Ryder Cup Ltd and Warwickshire Police, to reassess their plans.

Your say: Do you agree with the measures?

Last year's Ryder Cup was postponed following the terrorist attacks on the US.

At The Belfry, the ticket-holding public will be prohibited from taking a number of items inside the course.

These include mobile phones, cameras, picnic baskets and large holdalls.

Vehicle access to the course will be strictly limited and people will be searched, using X-ray style machines, at special checkpoints.

A special bus service will ferry spectators to the course from designated pick-up points in Birmingham.

Ryder Cup spokesman Mitchell Platts said although some of the measures may appear extreme, the "safety of all concerned" was of paramount importance.

"We will be checking each and every spectator through airport-style security arches and X-ray machines and any spectator with a prohibited item will not be admitted," said Platts.

"These might at first view appear draconian measures but they are being implemented not only as part of our security programme for the safety of all concerned, but also to further enhance enjoyment for all spectators.

"We believe that all spectators will understand that this is being done to help everyone watching the matches."

Spectators found using a mobile phone or camera during matches face being ejected.

Fears over the safety of players after 11 September was one factor in the 2001 event being called off.

And US captain Curtis Strange has already indicated the match could be postponed again if America takes military action against Iraq.

Strange warns of Cup threat

Europe team member Padraig Harrington recently recalled a quote made by a fellow player, which summed up how members of the US team would feel if war broke out.

"Playing for the United States at this time would be like walking around with a bullseye on your back," said the Irishman

It will be more civil - and that's good

US player Scott Hoch on the 2002 Ryder Cup

On the course, players from both sides are adamant the petty bickering which has blighted Ryder Cups in recent years will be brushed to one side.

"I think it has changed. It's not like animosity any more," said US player Scott Hoch.

"In the past, the fans have wanted us to play like we hate the other team but certainly it will be more civil and that's good."

This year's Ryder Cup will see the reintroduction of the traditional post-match party, to aid the new feeling of goodwill.

There will also be a tribute to the victims of the 11 September attacks, in the form of a memorial service during the opening ceremony.