Hecklers face Cup clampdown

There will be a large security presence at The Belfry

Ryder Cup organisers have vowed to eject hecklers from The Belfry in a bid to avoid a repeat of the scenes that marred the 1999 event at Brookline.

There, a section of spectators attempted to distract Colin Montgomerie.

But Cup director Richard Hills has warned that any tit-for-tat response will be dealt with severely.

Security tight for Belfry battle

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "Certainly the security in place should ensure it doesn't happen but you can never say never.

"People that heckle are not welcome at The Belfry, we would throw them out if that was identified and isolated."

We have taken into account the advice given by various security authorities

Richard Hills
Ryder Cup director

The course is under intense surveillance because of the high-profile nature of the American players, in particular.

"We have taken into account the advice given by various security authorities since the 11 September attacks," said Hills.

However, American Scott Verplank has suggested he and some of his colleagues would withdraw if the USA went to war with Iraq.

But Hills said: "Without knowing all the facts behind the scenes here at The Belfry I am not sure [his comments] were entirely appropriate."