RYDER CUP DIARY: Team Europe players have been told NOT to repeat Jonny Bairstow’s actions and leave Just Stop Oil protestors to security if they target the event

• Jonny Bairstow carried off Just Stop Oil protestor during the summer’s Ashes
• There is unlikely to be a repeat if they target the upcoming Ryder Cup 
• Players have been told not to deal with protestors if they take to the course 

There is unlikely to be a repeat of Jonny Bairstow’s actions if Just Stop Oil campaigners target the event.

Europe captain Luke Donald was asked how his players should respond if they are faced with protesters on the course, with a nod to the England wicketkeeper tackling a pitch invader during the Ashes Test at Lord’s. ‘I have no idea how likely it is but there’s a plan in place for everything,’ he said.

‘The guys will be told not to interact, let security deal with that and then we’ll carry on.’ Four people were arrested after disrupting play on the second day of the Open at Royal Liverpool in July.

Luke Donald revealed Team Europe players have been told not to deal with protestors

Jonny Bairstow famously carried off a protestor during the second Ashes Test match at Lord’s

Foster’s team photo stunt 

Jocular scenes at the team photos on Tuesday thanks to Billy Foster. Matt Fitzpatrick’s 57-year-old caddie dropped his trousers as the cameras snapped.

Thankfully, it was only a half moon, with the Yorkshireman leaving his navy underpants on for the stunt.

Matt Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster dropped his trousers during the team photo shoot

Solheim Cup’s a TV hit 

The Solheim Cup attracted record viewing figures for Sky Sports with an audience that peaked at 734,000 on the final day as the European women’s late rally saw them snatch a draw to retain the trophy for the third successive tournament.

The average audience of 281,000 over the three days was up 35 per cent on 2021.

The Solheim Cup attracted record viewing figures for Sky Sports as Europe retained the trophy

Unusual grandstand seats 

Those teeing off on Friday might be forgiven for doing a double-take should they glance to their left. 

BMW have installed seven racing-car seats in the grandstand surrounding the first. 

The tournament sponsors have planted seven i7 bucket seats, complete with seat belts, overlooking the opening hole. Competition winners will take up the spots, which the German manufacturer claim are the best in the house.

Roman Empire takes over 

Organisers have embraced the Roman Empire theme, with the backs of grandstands painted to resemble the Colosseum in the centre of the city.

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