Just Stop Oil protestors interrupted play today during the second round of The Open at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. 

Protestors ran onto the new par-3 17th hole at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake on the Wirral around midday, setting off a smoke flare and throwing orange powder and paint onto the green. 

American golfer Billy Horschel intervened to help remove protesters, and managed to regain his concentration to make par on the tricky hole.

The 36-year-old escorted a woman wearing a Just Stop Oil T-shirt covered in orange paint off the green of the Hoylake links and into the custody of a police officer.

Both her and a man wearing a similar T-shirt were both handcuffed and marched off the course by several police officers.

Greenkeeping staff were dispatched to the hole and removed the powdered paint with leaf-blowers.

Just Stop Oil confirmed three people in total were involved in the protest at The Open.

In a statement, Just Stop Oil said: "At around 12.20pm three Just Stop Oil supporters ran onto hole 17 at The Open in Royal Liverpool.

“They set off a smoke flare and threw orange powder paint on the green before being removed by security.”

The environmental group have targeted a number of high-profile sporting events this summer, including the second Ashes Test at Lord's where England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow physically carried one pitch invader off the ground. 

They also interrupted proceedings at Wimbledon, where three people ran onto the court throwing orange paper and jigsaw pieces, and earlier this summer interrupted the rugby union Premiership final at Twickenham.

The R&A, organisers of The Open, said it was prepared for a protest and stressed it had put in extra security precautions.

It did advise players not to engage with anyone who entered the course but Horschel decided against that.

In a statement, the R&A said:  “A protester was quickly apprehended on the 17th hole and is one of four people who have been arrested by police.

“Play was not disrupted and we would like to thank the marshals, players and other spectators for their vigilance and understanding as the protesters were removed.”

A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “A small amount of powder was discarded onto the playing surface and it was reported that one person had a smoke pyrotechnic.

“Two males and two females were quickly detained by both stewards and officers and they were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage and public nuisance. They will be taken into police custody to be questioned.

“Merseyside Police respects the right to protest and expression of views but anti-social, criminal behaviour or disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.

“Police and The R&A management will be looking to ensure the activities of anyone who wants to protest don’t disrupt the event itself and if necessary we will use relevant legislation to deal with those people involved in it.

“Contingency plans are in place to visitors to enjoy these events in safety and with minimal disruption.”