High winds force closure of Ryder Cup course

STRAFFAN, Ireland, Sep 20 (Reuters) Ryder Cup organisers closed the K Club to spectators on the second day of practice today due to high winds.

''Severe winds gusting to more than 40mph have necessitated that we close the K Club site to spectators and all non-essential staff,'' said a statement from the European Tour.

''This decision has been taken in the interests of spectator safety. There are specific units which represent a danger to public safety so therefore entry to the course was suspended at 6.30 am (0530 GMT).'' Organisers said they would review the situation at 9 am (0800 GMT).

''All spectators should remain at home if they have not already left for the course or in their hotels and listen to the news bulletins on television and radio,'' they said in the statement.

An estimated 10,000 spectators attended the first day of practice yesterday ahead of this week's tournament.

Reuters PM GC1356