GOLF FAN BAN FEAR

Safety pen plan after eye horror

GOLF spectators may be forced into safety pens to stop further accidents at major tournaments.

Tough new measures are being considered after Corine Remande, 49, was blinded in one eye by a golf ball at the Ryder Cup.

American player Brooks Koepka, 28, smashed a tee shot accidentally into the crowd during Europe’s victory at the tournament in France at the weekend.

The ball smacked Mrs Remande in the face, pictured right, resulting in her right eyeball exploding.

Now bosses of Britain’s major golf championships are to take action to protect spectators from a similar tragedy.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which organises the British Open and Senior Open, said it will carefully plan viewing areas in future. New health and safety rules could be rolled out next year for The Open, taking place at the Royal Portrush course in Co Antrim. Andrew Scott, health and safety manager at golf insurance firm Gauntlet, said yesterday: “This sort of incident can occur on any course, at any time and when such a thing takes place, people want answers. “Golf clubs need to have risk management measures in place, outlining where particular holes, tees and other course hazards could present dangers to players, staff and the public.”

Mrs Remande, from Egypt, plans to sue the Ryder Cup organisers. Golfer Koepka said: “When I was told the news about her I was heartbroken. It was one of the worst days of my life.”