Open Championship implementing new code of conduct for fans

Todd Kelly, GolfweekWed, July 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM UTC

147

The most recent Ryder Cup and U.S. Open both had plenty of ugly moments on the fan side of things. The R&A is taking steps to get out in front of any potential issues at the 2026 Open Championship.

On Wednesday, the R&A announced "The Open Commitment", a new fan code of conduct policy that the R&A says "celebrates the unique atmosphere that has defined golf's original Championship for more than 165 years."

The Open Commitment has five points:

Respect the Players

Respect the Links

Respect Each Other

Be Aware

Enjoy Responsibly

On a media conference call with USA Sports and Golf Channel on-air talent, Paul McGinley said fan behavior has to be addressed.

"I think it is a concern. Boundaries have been stretched. We saw it at the Ryder Cup. We saw it at the U.S. Open," he said, adding, "I think like everything in this game, we need to have boundaries and the USGA and the R&A are the custodians of the game in that regard, as well as the PGA Tour, and those boundaries have to be set in stone.

"I think we've got a unique demographic in golf and that demographic demands, and looks for, a code of behavior, complicit with the standing that golf has as a sport and if we lose that, and if the game becomes a little bit more of a free-for-all in terms of behavior, well, we risk alienating that demographic."

Advertisement

Fellow Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee agreed steps like the R&A's code of conduct are necessary.

"Golf is a unique sport. It's not a reactionary sport. Golf requires a high level of precision and a very high level of concentration. The concentration aspect is not unlike, say, a game of chess. And imagine if people are standing around you at the highest level of a chess game and people are screaming and yelling. It wouldn't be conducive to the greatest atmospherem," Chamblee said. "People can get very close to you in the game of golf and this sort of confluence of this TikTok culture and the decay of comportment that we all have to deal with in the world now has reared its ugly head in the game of golf.

"By and large when you look back on the game, there's a reason they call it a gentlemen's game. Augusta National gets it right. It's one of the reasons why it's the greatest spectator experience in the game of golf. I've always said that the Open Championship has the greatest fans in terms of their knowledge, but, something needed to be done."

The 154th Open is at Royal Birkdale, July 16-19, and the R&A says this guidance is "to ensure that players, spectators, volunteers, officials, staff and the local community can enjoy a welcoming, inclusive and memorable experience."

"The atmosphere at The Open is unlike any other major sporting event and one of the things that makes it so unique. It is built on a shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans and the traditions of the Championship," said Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said. "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 fans before and during the Open through digital channels, ticket communications and on-site signage. By attending the event, fans agree to comply with the commitment.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the course.

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: British Open Championship unveils new code of conduct for fans

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”