Byron Nelson Tightens Security

Entrances will have security wanding; large bags won't be allowed

Heightened security measures will be in place next week at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Irving.

Organizers have announced security changes in the light of last month's bombing at the Boston Marathon.

The tournament's expected 200,000 attendees will be greeted a bit differently at the TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas this year.

"We will use security wanding at all entrances. Ladies' bags will be checked, and we're just going to do everything we can do to make sure that we look for anything unusual and that we protect our fans," said Mike McKinley, tournament director.

McKinley said there are also some restrictions on what visitors can bring.

"One of the big changes this year, unfortunately, is, we're going to ask our patrons not to bring backpacks or large bags to the tournament this year," he said.

Portable chairs are still allowed, but they can't be brought in bags.

McKinley said this is the best international field the Byron Nelson has had in years and sales are reflecting that. Corporate hospitality sponsorships are sold out, and overall sales topped $11.7 million this week.

Course preparations have been going on for months but, starting this week, staff is doubling up to make sure the playing conditions are just right for the players. Next week, workers will pull even longer hours -- up to 65 hours per week -- to make sure that everything is up to par.

"These are the best players in the world, and we want to put our best foot forward," said Scott Abernathy, TPC Four Seasons director of golf and landscape operations. "We've got a fantastic facility, a fantastic golf course, and we want it to shine that week."

Byron Nelson activities begin on Sunday, but the tournament begins on May 16.

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