Poor conduct from players will not be tolerated at The Open, and the same scrutiny will be placed on the fans, too.
The R&A has circulated The Open Commitment ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, outlining an extensive set of behavioural guidelines that fans are expected to follow on-site in Southport.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the grounds without refund.
The bullet points that form the basis of The Open Commitment read as follows: Respect the Players, Respect the Links, Respect Each Other, Be Aware, and Enjoy Responsibly.
Fans are also encouraged to report unacceptable behaviour or safety concerns by speaking to a member of staff, marshal, steward or police officer. You can also fill in a ‘Fan Feedback’ form.
The R&A have announced new protocol one month after Wyndham Clark overcame a barrage of abuse and heckling on his way to winning the US Open at Shinnecock Hills for the second time.
Clark had received widespread criticism for damaging the locker room at Oakmont during last year’s US Open, but even still, clusters of loudmouthed fans on-site at Shinnecock did their best to distract him on his way to victory.
Fan behaviour at golf events has been under intense scrutiny over the last 12 months following the grim scenes of vile chanting aimed at the European team at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Some spectators at The Open in recent years could even reflect on questionable behaviour and remarks directed at runaway winners Brian Harman (2023) and Scottie Scheffler (2025), as well.
But players are also beginning to have their collars felt if they cannot behave themselves, too. At the US Open last month, Joaquin Niemann was given a two-shot penalty for throwing a club and showing serious misconduct during the first round.
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Bob MacIntyre and Sergio Garcia were also given slaps on the wrist at the Masters in April for showing poor conduct. It seems golf’s governing bodies are cracking down inside and outside the ropes.
Below is a full rundown of The Open Commitment and what the R&A is asking of the 300,000-something spectators that pass by the famous Birkdale clubhouse in Open week:
Respect the Players
• Remain quiet and still while players are preparing for and playing their shots.
• Do not call out to players inappropriately during play or request autographs outside of designated areas.
• Celebrate great play in a fair and sporting manner.
• Follow the guidance of event staff, marshals and security personnel at all times.
• Mobile devices should be on silent.
• Photography for personal use is welcome but must be silent and not disrupt play or disturb other fans.
• Audio recording, video recording or flash photography of play is not permitted.
Respect the Links
• Help us to protect the historic links by following all signage, barriers and rope lines to safeguard the greens, bunkers and all playing surfaces.
• Respect other cordoned-off areas to protect local wildlife and the natural environment.
• Support sustainability initiatives by reducing waste, separating litter into the relevant waste management facility, and utilising a reusable water bottle.
Respect Each Other
• Show courtesy and consideration to those around you at all times.
• All fans should help to create a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment. The R&A has a zero-tolerance policy to any form of threatening behaviour directed at players, officials, staff, volunteers or spectators – including but not limited to; foul language, sexual harassment, or any discriminatory abuse on the grounds of gender, age, race, disability, sexuality, or religion.
• Flags, clothing or displays of support must be appropriate to The Open and the players, and should not obstruct views, disrupt play or negatively impact the experience of others.
• Be considerate to local people and communities when travelling to and from The Open.
• Safeguarding is a priority at The Open. Any concerns regarding the wellbeing or safety of a child or vulnerable adult should be reported immediately to a member of staff, marshal, steward or police officer. More information about safeguarding can be found here.
• Follow queueing systems and stewarding guidance in busy areas.
Be Aware
• Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in areas where balls may travel at speed.
• If you hear the warning call ‘Fore’ or see players, caddies or marshals gesturing, please remain alert and take immediate steps to protect yourself and others nearby.
• Prohibited items and unauthorised vehicles are not permitted on-site to help ensure a safe Championship environment.
Enjoy Responsibly
• For fans who consume alcohol at The Open, please enjoy it responsibly and respectfully.
• Alcohol brought from outside the venue is not permitted.
• Alcohol is not permitted within grandstands.
• Behaviour that disrupts the experience of others will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the course.
NOW READ: I’ve changed my mind on mobile phones – they shouldn’t be anywhere near the golf course
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