A national police headquarters spokesman said yesterday that it was too early to say how much the increased operation would cost, because it had been hastily organised. A figure was likely to be calculated when the tournament was over.
The scale of the operation, which has surprised some international journalists, became clear yesterday when Police Minister George Hawkins responded to a parliamentary question from National MP Tony Ryall.
Asked how many police officers would be dedicated to the 2002-03 America's Cup in Auckland, Mr Hawkins said 105 - a quarter of the number involved in Operation Links. By comparison, the 1999 Apec meeting, which US President Bill Clinton attended, required 2400 police.
Spectators at the Open have found it difficult to ignore the police presence.
At least three uniformed officers have flanked world number one Woods each time he has appeared at the course, while plainclothes staff, members of the diplomatic protection squad and the boiler-suit-clad special search group have also been on duty.
Some took the opportunity to photograph Woods when he lined up a putt on the 18th green yesterday.
Police will not say what weapons officers are carrying, but Assistant Commissioner Jon White said they had "sufficient capability to respond to any emerging event".
Officers not posted at the golf course have been riding trains up and down the Kapiti Coast and checking bridges and tunnels in the region to make sure they have not been tampered with.
No further threats have been received, but a man was arrested after being found wandering through a tunnel late at night on the Wellington/Paraparaumu line. He told police he was taking a shortcut home.
Uniformed officers are working in two shifts to secure the golf course overnight as well as during the day, while Woods has a contingent following his movements after he leaves the course. He also brings his own security.
Top New Zealand golfer Michael Campbell, despite playing the first round with a high-profile group yesterday, had no visible police presence with him.
The scale of the security operation has annoyed some spectators, but Woods had no complaints when he spoke at a press conference yesterday.
"They're just doing their job, and they've been great," he said.
"They're staying out of our way. I just wish they'd throw the ball back when I hit it in the woods."
Assistant Commissioner White said the events of September 11 meant police needed to be vigilant.
It was difficult to find a balance in an operation of this type.
"We believe we are taking prudent steps. We expect the public would want nothing less," he said.
"No other policing is being put on hold. We are mindful of other needs."
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