Open Championship remains on high alert amid surge in protests

Security will remain on high alert during this week's Open Championship even though there has been no intelligence surrounding any potential protest, revealed R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers.

Strict measures will be in place at Royal Liverpool in what has been a challenging English summer with Just Stop Oil protesters causing disruption at major sporting events, including the Ashes Test series and Wimbledon.

Players have been asked not to get involved if any protests do take place; like during the Ashes Test at Lord's where England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow carried one protester off the pitch.

“We've had no direct intelligence,” Slumbers said ahead of the tournament which begins on Thursday.

“There was direct intelligence last year and most people in this room don't know The Open was targeted last year.

“We had a very credible threat that was reported to us that one of the most senior players in the field was going to be targeted by an environmental activist.

“We have significant security procedures in place, we work with law enforcement agencies and we will wait and see what happens.

“We have advised the players please don't get involved and I stand by that. We have enough things in place to be able to deal with that. Beyond that I think security matters I need to keep confidential.”

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy will return to the scene of his sole Open win at Hoylake, hoping fond memories can help him snap a nine-year major drought.

The defending Champion Cam Smith predicts a testing week at @RLGCHoylake. What will be the winning score? pic.twitter.com/zEHAFhZU3q

McIlroy, 34, seemed destined for double-digit major titles when he swept all before him at the Royal Liverpool course in 2014 and went on to win the PGA