Topics: Donald Trump, Golf, Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup security boss has raised fears of a potential 'Charlie Kirk incident' at the 2025 edition.
The prestigious biennial golf competition gets underway begins on Friday in New York, with Team USA entering as narrow favourites. America have only lost four Ryder Cups on home soil in the event's 98-year history and come into this year's competition boasting a strong team.
But Team Europe will be desperate to silence the home crowd and pull off a first away win since the famous 'Miracle in Medinah' 13 years ago. However, serious safety concerns have emerged following the killing of American right-wing political activist Kirk.
He was shot dead earlier this month while speaking at a campus rally at Utah Valley University, which has put large sporting events in America under scrutiny. And with 50,000 spectators expected at Bethplage Black, including US President Donald Trump, there are serious fears.
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Major Stephen Udice of New York State Police and the incident commander for the Ryder Cup addressed the issue with BBC Sport.
He said "If anything, the likelihood of somebody trying to use an event like this to make a statement is only increased.
"Some would argue it's much higher. We are planning as if there's threats. We have multiple different layers that someone looking to cause chaos and harm is going to have to get through.
"In an event of this size, with the attention that this is going to get around the world, we also recognise that this is a target."
The Ryder Cup will be played at Bethplage Black, which is a public golf course just outside New York City, on Long Island.
The course is renowned for its difficulty and has earned the nickname of 'The Beast'.
But for security, the size of a golf course presents unique difficulties compared to other high-profile American events staged in enclosed stadia.
Udice added: "It is on par with a Super Bowl and a World Series, but what makes this even more challenging is that it's in a 1,400-acre park, not a contained stadium.
"We have drones, we're going to have several state police helicopters, we have chemical units, biological units, radiological units, numerous bomb-disposal dogs."
Despite the increased security concerns, excitement is building for one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the year.
Although Europe's captain Luke Donald and his American counterpart Keegan Bradly have been respectful, tensions will rise as the weekend approaches.
And with both teams taking to the course for practice rounds today, anticipation among golf fans will continue to increase.
