sniper was set up... within range for a good sniper, but still out of sight, but heading that way.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5eewvy3nlo
"At the time, Trump was about 300-500 yards (275-460m) away from where spot, he said.
............
More context:
Agents usually go one hole ahead to perform security checks, according to police.
The muzzle of a rifle - which has been identified in an SKS pattern - was spotted sticking through the shrubbery that lines the course.
At the time, Trump was about 300-500 yards (275-460m) away from where spot, he said.
An agent "immediately engaged" with the person holding the rifle, who fled, Sheriff Rik Bradshaw said. The suspect did not fire his weapon during the incident.
On 16 September, acting Secret Service director Ron Rowe said that Trump was "across the course and out of sight of the sixth green" when the Secret Service agent opened fire.
At no point is the suspect believed to have had a clear line of sight to the former president.
Records show that Routh's phone had been in the area for about 12 hours, from about 0200 to 1331 local time, according to court documents and police officials.