​Poor conduct from players will not be tolerated at The Open, and the same standard will be applied to the fans as well. The R&A has issued The Open Commitment ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, outlining a comprehensive set of behavioural guidelines that spectators are expected to follow on-site in Southport. Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the grounds without a refund. The Open Commitment is built on five core principles: Respect the Players, Respect the Links, Respect Each Other, Be Aware, and Enjoy Responsibly. Fans are encouraged to report unacceptable behaviour or safety concerns by speaking with a member of staff, a marshal, a steward, or a police officer, or by submitting a Fan Feedback form.
The R&A’s updated protocol comes a month after Wyndham Clark faced harsh abuse and heckling on his way to winning the US Open at Shinnecock Hills for the second time. Clark had already drawn criticism for damaging the Oakmont locker room during last year’s US Open, yet groups of vocal on-site fans at Shinnecock did their best to distract him en route to victory. Over the past year, fan behaviour at golf events has drawn heightened scrutiny following the grim scenes of vile chanting directed at the European team at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. In recent Open editions, spectators have also reflected on questionable conduct and remarks aimed at recent runaway winners such as Brian Harman (2023) and Scottie Scheffler (2025). Meanwhile, players are starting to face consequences when they misbehave as well; at the US Open last month, Joaquin Niemann received a two-shot penalty for throwing a club and displaying serious misconduct during the first round. Bob MacIntyre and Sergio Garcia were also admonished at the Masters in April for poor conduct. It appears that golf’s governing bodies are tightening rules both inside and outside the ropes.
Below is a complete rundown of The Open Commitment and what the R&A expects from the roughly 300,000 spectators who pass the famous Birkdale clubhouse during Open week:
– Remain quiet and still while players are preparing for and executing their shots.
– Do not call out to players inappropriately during play, and avoid requesting autographs outside of designated areas.
– Celebrate great play in a fair and sporting manner.
– Adhere to the directions of event staff, marshals, and security personnel at all times.
– Keep mobile devices on silent.
– Personal photography is welcome but should be used for appropriate purposes only, and without causing distraction.