The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale will take place this week
The 154th Open Golf Championship is returning to Southport from July 12 until July 19(Image: R&A via Getty Images)
Thousands of spectators will descend on Merseyside as a global sporting event returns to one of the region’s seaside towns. The 154th Open Golf Championship is returning to Royal Birkdale from July 12 until July 19, drawing audiences from across the world to the town for the prestigious tournament.
More than 300,000 people are expected to attend The Open, and it is important that visitors stick to the rules in place. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket then you will need to know what you are allowed to take in.
The ECHO put together a list of all the rules and banned items at The Open this year as well as some of the most frequently asked questions people have had.
Can you bring your own food and drink to The Open?
Spectators can bring their own food and drink into the venue, with the exception of alcoholic beverages and glass bottles, which are not allowed.
Can you bring a child’s buggy/pushchair to The Open?
Yes, you can but be aware that in some areas around the course the terrain may be uneven or unsuitable for buggies and pushchairs.
Can you bring a folding chair to The Open?
Spectators are not allowed to bring folding chairs of any description into The Open due to safety concerns. This includes but is not limited to camping chairs, folding chairs, deck chairs, collapsible stools of any size, tripod seating sticks and inflatable chairs.
Spectators are permitted to bring rollator frames with or without built-in chairs, and single stem shooting sticks, also known as seating sticks. Free grandstand seating is available for spectators around the course on a first-come first-serve basis.
Can you bring a bag to The Open?
You are allowed to bring a small bag or rucksack to The Open and all bags will be subject to security searches. Oversized bags are classed as larger than a standard carry-on case and any oversized bags seen as inappropriate by The R&A (and/or authorised person) may be restricted entry.
Any oversized bags may be stored at the Left Luggage facility. The Left Luggage facility will not accept bags that contain cash, valuable electronics or camera equipment and all items left in the storage area will be searched prior to acceptance.
Can you bring your pet to The Open?
Pets are not permitted into the course or the spectator village, with the exception of Guide Dogs and other recognised Service Animals. All dogs are prohibited from areas near play.
Is there a dress code at The Open?
There is no dress code in public areas. Clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions should be worn.
Can you bring a mobile phone or mobile device into The Open?
Spectators are welcome to bring mobile devices to The Open but a policy is in place to ensure that play is not disrupted. Mobile devices must be set to silent and remain on this setting at all times. They may be used for voice calls provided this is not close to play or practice areas or is likely to disturb play in any way. There will be designated, signposted areas in which attendees can make or receive phone calls and not disturb play.
Still photography of play is permitted provided that it does not disrupt play and images are not used for any commercial purpose where The R&A will retain copyright. Flash photography is not permitted during practice or play. No audio or video capture is permitted at any time.
Can you leave The Open and come back in on the same day?
Yes, re-admission will be permitted. When exiting the course, all attendees wishing to re-enter the venue later that day, must ensure that they collect a wristband when leaving the venue.
If you are unable to display a valid wristband and your digital ticket on The Open Tickets App upon return to the venue, you will not be permitted re-entry to the event. It is recommended that all spectators have their own tickets on their own smartphones. If this is not possible, then any non-smartphone owners must re-enter with the person who is holding their ticket on their smartphone.
All the banned items at this year’s event:No ladders (including step ladders), boxes, crates (including folding crates), periscopes, selfie sticks, and other similar items used to achieve an elevated viewing position.No items which, in the opinion of The R&A (or any authorised person), could be used as a weapon including firearms, knives, corkscrews, and personal protection sprays.No noise-producing devices including air horns, portable speakers, PA systems, megaphones, or similar items used for amplification or broadcast.No bicycles (unless authorised by The R&A), skateboards, skates, and other ride-on equipment, except those required to be used as mobility aids by registered persons with mobility impairment. Bicycles must be secured in the designated Bicycle Parking areas.Interchangeable or fixed lenses of more than 300mm physical length when fully extended, video recording equipment and flash photography equipment. Still photography of play is permitted provided that it does not disrupt play and images are not used for any commercial purposes or financial gain. All permitted cameras must have non-reflective lenses and silent shutters.No pets except for service animals.No lawn chairs, folding chairs, tripods or similar seating items (with the exception of single stem shooting sticks and rollator walking frames with and without seats).No pyrotechnic devices including fireworks, explosives, smoke canisters, flares, laser pointers, or similar items.No unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including drones, model aircraft, kites, or similar airborne crafts/items.No promotional, commercial, political, religious, or items deemed offensive of whatever nature, including but not limited to clothing, banners, signs, symbols, and leaflets used for ambush marketing or other similar unauthorised promotional purposes.All bags may be subject to search on entry to the venue or elsewhere within the venue on request by security contractors authorised by The R&A. Oversized bags deemed inappropriate by The R&A (and/or authorised R&A security contractors) will not be admitted. Failure to comply with a request to search may lead to a guest’s removal from the venue on the grounds of safety. The R&A will provide a left-luggage facility for the storage of searched bags.No alcoholic beverages or glass bottles.