Security clamp down for Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup chiefs today revealed tough new measures which will ensure stricter than ever security when the 2002 tournament gets…

Ryder Cup chiefs today revealed tough new measures which will ensure stricter than ever security when the 2002 tournament gets underway at the Belfry, later this month.

Spectators will be banned from bringing mobile phones and cameras to the contest between Europe and the United States which runs from September 27th - 29th.

Memories of volatile crowd scenes at the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline and safety fears following the September 11th terror attacks, which caused the Ryder Cup to be postponed by a year, have forced a rethink on the part of tournament organisers and Warwickshire Police.

As well as mobile phones and cameras, spectators will also be prohibited from bringing in large holdalls and picnic baskets.

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Vehicle access will be strictly monitored and spectators will be searched using airport style X-ray machines. To compensate for the lack of car parking, spectators will be taken to the course from pick-up points in Birmingham, the nearsest major city.

Ryder Cup spokesman Mitchell Platts told BBC Sport Online: "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.

"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 cameras or mobile phones face ejection from the course.

The victims of the September 11th attacks will be remembered at the Ryder Cup with a memorial service during the opening ceremony.