The City of University Place, Wash., is "considering a ban on drones" during the '15 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay Golf Course, according to Brynn Grimley of the Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE. The USGA "requested the ban on the increasingly popular unmanned aircraft in preparation for the weeklong major championship." The Village of Pinehurst Council in North Carolina "enacted a similar, temporary ban" during the '14 U.S. Open and Women’s Open "at the USGA's request." But "even so, someone launched a drone" during the men's event. U.S. Open Management Dir Robbie Zalzneck said that an official "contacted the drone operator and made the person aware of the ban." Grimley noted the proposed ban for the '15 event "could keep people from taking unauthorized pictures or video of an event that will draw the world’s elite golfers and millions of dollars in television revenues." The USGA and Fox "signed a 12-year multimedia deal last year for the U.S. Open and other USGA championships," estimated at $100M. But officials said that "even more important ... is that a drone ban would help keep the public safe." University Place City Attorney Steve Victor said that the only agency that "has control over airspace" is the FAA. Grimley noted the agency is "expected to come out with new guidelines for drones next year, after the U.S. Open." The ban also "wouldn't reach into Puget Sound, where someone could launch a drone from a boat," as the city "doesn't have jurisdiction over the waterway" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 11/3).
