Drones to be Banned at U.S. Open

• By Sydny Shepard
• Mar 09, 2016

The United States Golf Association and Homeland Security officials would like to prohibit the use of drones in and around the Oakmont Country Club in Plum, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Penn. in an effort to prevent possible terrorist attacks and vandalism during the U.S. Open.

Federal authorities requested local leaders to enact the ordinance, Plum Borough Manager Michael Thomas said. He stressed that the authorities were less worried about someone getting an unauthorized photo of the golfers and more worried about the potential threats of an attack. He explained that a groups of people who were able to install a flame thrower on a drone and use it from the air. He also brought up that drones could be used to carry chemicals and paint that can be dumped from above.

A council is expected to formally adopt the drone ordinance in April, where they will also be talking about other security measures such as parking restrictions, public viewing spaces and hired guards.

For now, the USGA is confident that the U.S. Open will go off without a hitch because many departments of authority are coming together to create the perfect plan for the popular event.