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Boston Bombings Raise Security Bar For June's US Open Golf Tourney in Merion

By Brad Segall

ARDMORE, Pa. (CBS) -- Monday's bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon have police in Delaware County, Pa. taking another look at their security plans for the 2013 US Open, at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore.

Haverford police began preparing for this prestigious event two years ago, but what happened earlier this week in Boston has been a game changer.

While there's been no specific threats against June's golf tournament, deputy police chief John Viola says with 25,000 to 30,000 people expected each day, they would be remiss if they didn't take a second -- and third -- look.

"What happened in Boston raises our level of awareness and increases our concerns at what possibly somebody could do here if they wanted to," Viola tells KYW Newsradio.

He says Merion presents a challenge because there are three different areas of the course that have to be secured.  An advantage, though, is that spectators will be sent to remote lots to park their cars and will be screened there before getting onto shuttle buses.

Viola says his team talks daily, if not two or three times a day, with the USGA about security.

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