R&A Enforces New Fan Code of Conduct for The Open Championship

The R&A announced that the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, will be subject to a strictly enforced fan code of conduct. Organisers expect crowds of over 300,000 and have highlighted principles such as respecting players, the course, other spectators, and drinking responsibly. Spectators who breach “The Open Commitment” could be removed from the gallery, and players may face penalties for repeated infractions.

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said, “The atmosphere at The Open is unlike any other major sporting event… it is built on a shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans and the traditions of the Championship.” The new rules follow recent incidents of unruly fan behaviour at the 2023 Open, the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 2026 U.S. Open, where spectators were ejected after booing or harassing players.