Security At The PGA Championship

Tuesday, August 7th 2007, 5:45 pm

By: News On 6

The security at the PGA Championship is being run by Tulsa Police Deputy Chief Bill Wells, and he gave News On 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour Tuesday. She reports he has about 30 officers working this event and has spent two years planning for any security issue imaginable.

"What the PGA has built is a small city, with restaurants, bars, clubs, people walking in the streets, entertainment. When you think of it in that light, virtually any call you get outside, you're gonna have it in here,â€ Wells said.

Wells has officers working the drop-off point for the pros and driving by their private parking spots, you see names like Tiger Woods, VJ Singh and John Daly.

Wells says so far, problems have been minimal.

"We're blessed with a golf crowd that understands golf, understands the level of play and the concentration,â€ he said. â€œWe don't have problems. We have one or two people who come for the wrong reasons, but the rest of the crowds follow the signs and do a good job of getting in and getting out in the evening."

Traffic and crowd control is a big part of security, but the biggest problem so far has been people not drinking enough water and needing first aid.

"They say a bottle of water an hour, that is, I'm not sure that's enough,â€ said Wells.

The key to bringing in your own water is first, don't break the seal. If the bottle is open, they'll make you pour it out. Second, peel off the label. If it says anything other than Aquafina, it won't be allowed.

For more information on the 89th PGA Championship, including where to park and an interactive course map, click here.

Watch the video: Security At The PGA