The R&A has introduced a new fan code of conduct ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The R&A announced “The Open Commitment” on Wednesday, saying it “celebrates the unique atmosphere that has defined golf’s original Championship for more than 165 years.”
The Open Commitment features five principles built around respecting the players, respecting other fans, respecting the course, staying aware and drinking responsibly. Under the “Respect the Players” principle, fans are asked to remain quiet and still while players are preparing for and playing shots, avoid calling out to players inappropriately during play, and celebrate great play in a fair and sporting manner.
The “Respect Each Other” principle includes a zero-tolerance policy toward any threatening behavior directed at players, officials, staff, volunteers or spectators, including foul language, sexual harassment or discriminatory abuse based on gender, age, race, disability, sexuality or religion. The “Be Aware” principle asks fans to stay alert around areas where balls may travel at speed and to respond immediately to the warning call “Fore” or gestures from players, caddies or marshals.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said the atmosphere at The Open is unlike any other major sporting event, built on shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans and the traditions of the championship. He added that fans play a huge part in creating that experience every year. Darbon said The Open Commitment isn’t about changing what makes the tournament special but about maintaining its longstanding traditions, and that following a few simple principles can help ensure the event remains welcoming and respectful for everyone.
The Open Commitment will be communicated to fans through digital channels, ticket communications and on-site signage before and during the championship. By attending the event, fans agree to comply with the commitment and the tournament’s ticket terms and conditions. Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the course without a refund of the ticket price.
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The announcement follows questionable fan behavior directed at Wyndham Clark during last month’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where Long Island galleries were occasionally unwelcoming toward Clark during the final round, including hostile comments, jeers for misses and silence toward well-played shots.
“Man, they definitely didn’t want me to win,” Clark said following the U.S. Open. “It’s pretty rare in an Open Championship or a major to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots. Yeah, it was tough.”
Spectator behavior also made headlines during last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where fan conduct drew similar criticism.
Around 300,000 fans are expected on-site at Royal Birkdale after one million applied for tickets, making it the highest-attended Open Championship in history. The 154th Open will be played July 16-19, with Scottie Scheffler entering as the defending champion.
