Woods confident in Ryder Cup ‘Ring of Steel’

Tiger Woods has faith in what is being described  a ‘ring of steel’ security arrangement for this year’s Ryder Cup in terrorism-alert France.

Next month’s Ryder Cup at the Le Golf National course in Versailles will see unprecedented golf-tournament security with the likelihood of nearby businesses, including the worldwide HQ for Renault, being asked to shut down for good measure as an expected 50,000 fans flock to the venue.

Woods is no stranger to up-front security ever since stepping-out to make his pro debut in late 1996 and he was ringed by four local Paramus Police officers on route to posting a level par 71 on the opening day of the Northern Trust, Woods’ first FedEx Cup Play-Off Series event in five years.

But that will be nothing like the army strength force of ‘Gendarmerie’ and French counter-terrorism police on hand in Versailles, with Woods now clearly expected to be competing inside the ropes.

“I have travelled all over the world playing golf, so I’ve experienced different security scenarios where ever I’ve been,” he said. “I am sure the Ryder Cup will be fine and the organisers will have covered every security issue.”

“I can envisage there will be so many extra measures and screening of the fans and whatever but I have no concerns and it will be fine.”

“We saw the security in place for the London Olympics some years back and you could argue London is in a similar state of alert as France but I have all-confidence in the organisers”.

Southport’s Tommy Fleetwood, who played alongside Woods and finished four shots fewer than Woods, was equally unconcerned.

“France has been unlucky, if I can use that word when you mention terrorism, but I am sure the Ryder Cup organisers along with the all the local and federal French bodies will know what they are doing,” said Fleetwood.

“I am not going to going there worrying about anything happening because if you do, there’s that old saying that ‘they are winning’ if you do think that way. So, I am sure the Ryder Cup that week will be one of the safest places on the planet.”