Spectators at Royal Birkdale have been warned they face the boot as the R&A bids to protect The Open from golf’s growing problem.
The R&A have introduced a formal code of conduct for spectators attending The Open, underlining golf’s growing determination to tackle the deterioration in fan behavior at its biggest events.
Ahead of next week’s 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the governing body unveiled The Open Commitment – a five-point guide built around respect for players, the course, fellow spectators and the Championship itself.
The R&A insist the initiative is about preserving what has made The Open unique for more than 165 years rather than changing it.
The fact they feel the need to introduce it at all, however, reflects an issue that has become increasingly difficult for golf to ignore.
Crowd behavior has become a regular talking point in recent years. Players have complained about spectators shouting during swings, marshals have been forced to intervnee more frequently, and tournaments have had to deal with a minority of fans who appear more interested in creating a viral social media moment than watching the golf.
The Ryder Cup at Bethpage found itself at the center of those conversations with European players subjected to vile personal abuse, while this year’s US Open at Shinnecock Hills again highlighted the issue.
Rory McIlroy was among players heckled throughout the week, while eventual champion Wyndham Clark was met with hostility from sections of the New York crowd despite winning his national Open for a second time.
Jordan Spieth believes gambling plays a key role in spectator behavior, while alcohol is also a big part of the discussion. Tournament organizers want fans to enjoy the occasion, but not at the expense of the experience for everyone else.
Much of The Open Commitment reinforces etiquette that has long been expected of golf spectators. Fans are asked to remain quiet while players prepare to hit shots, avoid calling out inappropriately, keep mobile phones on silent and respect the instructions of marshals and security staff.
The guidance is built around five principles:
That final point is perhaps the clearest acknowledgment of the challenges facing organizers.
The R&A encourage spectators who choose to drink alcohol to do so responsibly. Alcohol brought into the venue remains prohibited, drinks are not permitted in granstands and behavior that disrupts the experience of others “will not be tolerated”.
The governing body also reiterates its zero-tolerance approach to threatening behavior, discriminatory abuse, sexual harassment and foul language directed towards players, officials, volunteers or fellow spectators.
Most significantly, spectators who seriously or repeatedly breach The Open Commitment risk being removed from the course.
The move also comes just months after the men’s major championships introduced a formal player code of conduct. Sergio Garcia and Robert MacIntyre both received official warnings for their behavior at the Masters before Joaquin Niemann became the first player to incur a penalty at the US Open after his club-throwing outburst at Shinnecock Hills. The two-shot penalty turned what had initially been a nine into an 11 on his scorecard.
The introduction of formal codes for both players and spectators points to the same conclusion. Golf’s governing bodies believe protecting the atmosphere around their biggest championships can no longer be left to convention alone.
“The atmosphere at The Open is unlike any other major sporting event and one of the things that makes it so unique,” Mark Darbon, the R&A’s chief executive, said in a statement.
“It is built on a shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans and the traditions of the Championship. Every year, our fans play a huge part in creating that experience.
“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 Open Commitment will be communicated to spectators before and during championship week through ticket communications, digital channels and on-site signage around Royal Birkdale.
Fans attending The Open automatically be deemed to have accepted the guidance alongside the Championship’s existing ticket terms and conditions. Those who seriously or repeatedly breach the code risk removal from the course without refund, while spectators will also be able to report any behavior issues they witness.