
A tense political protest disrupted the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews this weekend, targeting billionaire Celtic FC shareholder Dermot Desmond during his round. While competing in the Pro-Am alongside Davis Bryant, Desmond became the focus of a demonstration on the 15th hole, where protesters hurled tennis balls bearing his face.
Security intervened to ensure his safety after he completed the round at 15-under par, finishing tied for 112th place—10 shots behind the cut line. Desmond’s son, Ross, also participated in the tournament, adding a personal dimension to the family’s involvement in the event, which spans Scotland’s iconic courses including St Andrews, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarnes.
The protest, organized by the Celtic Fans Collective, stems from growing dissatisfaction with Desmond’s leadership of the Scottish Premiership club. The group’s public statement framed the action as a direct challenge to his influence, arguing that his wealth has shielded him from accountability.
Despite the disruption, play continued uninterrupted for the professionals, though the incident dominated headlines and social media discussions throughout the weekend. Desmond’s performance, paired with Bryant’s 7-under par finish, marked a notable but ultimately low-scoring appearance in the prestigious tournament.

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