The R&A announced on Wednesday a new fan code of conduct called The Open Commitment, setting out formal expectations for spectators attending The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale next week. The code is designed to preserve the atmosphere and traditions of golf’s oldest Championship while managing a crowd expected to number in the hundreds of thousands across the tournament week.
The Open Commitment has five principles: Respect the Players, Respect the Links, Respect Each Other, Be Aware, and Enjoy Responsibly. By attending, fans agree to follow the code and the Championship’s ticket terms and conditions. The R&A said fans who commit serious or repeated breaches may be removed from the Championship grounds without a refund.
What the code requires
The main on-the-ground rules for fans include staying quiet and still while players are getting ready for and playing their shots, switching mobile devices to silent, making sure personal photography is silent and does not interfere with play, and not using audio recording, video recording or flash photography during play. Spectators are expected to respect all signage, barriers and rope lines to safeguard greens, bunkers and other playing surfaces.
On alcohol, the code says fans who choose to drink should do so responsibly. Bringing alcohol into the venue from elsewhere is not permitted, alcohol is not permitted inside grandstands, and conduct that spoils other people’s experience will not be tolerated.
The R&A also outlined a zero-tolerance approach to threatening behaviour toward players, officials, staff, volunteers or spectators, and said conduct including foul language, sexual harassment and discriminatory abuse would not be accepted.
Darbon says code protects traditions
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “The Open Commitment isn’t about changing what makes The Open so special, it is about maintaining its long-standing traditions. By following a few simple principles, everyone can help ensure The Open remains a welcoming, respectful and unforgettable experience for all.”
The governing body is framing the initiative as preservation rather than a crackdown, though the move comes after wider scrutiny of spectator conduct at major golf events in recent seasons.
Rollout and reporting
Fans will be informed about The Open Commitment in advance of and throughout the Championship through ticket communications, digital channels and signage on site. The full code can be viewed on TheOpen.com.
Fans who see unacceptable behaviour can report it to staff, marshals, stewards or police officers at the venue, or send an email to FanFeedback@TheOpen.com.
The 154th Open will be played at Royal Birkdale from 12–19 July 2026.
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Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.