The R&A will strictly enforce a new fan code of conduct named "The Open Commitment" at the 2026 British Open, set to take place next week at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. Organizers expect more than 300,000 spectators at the event, underscoring the challenges of managing large crowds at the championship [1, 2, 3].

The code encourages fans to be welcoming and inclusive, to respect players, the course, and fellow spectators, and to uphold the traditions of the 150-year-old Championship. R&A CEO Mark Darbon said, "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." He added, "The Open Commitment isn't about changing what makes The Open so special, it is about maintaining its long-standing traditions" [2].

The code will be communicated clearly through on-course signage, digital channels, and through ticketing information to ensure all attendees understand expected conduct [2].

Fan behavior has been an ongoing issue at recent major golf tournaments. At the 2023 Open at Royal Liverpool, Brian Harman faced hostile reactions from fans during his win [1, 2, 3]. Similarly, at the 2026 US Open held in June at Shinnecock Hills, champion Wyndham Clark was jeered by spectators, with several removed for inappropriate behavior. Clark described the experience as difficult, saying, "Man, they definitely didn’t want me to win. 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. But I’m proud of myself that I battled through" [1, 3].

Scottie Scheffler had previously criticized fan conduct at the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush and commented on the abuse Clark received at the US Open [2].

Despite challenges, some players have acknowledged mostly positive crowd support. American Chris Gotterup, winner of the 2025 Scottish Open, noted strong backing for Rory McIlroy and said fans were "mostly good-natured" despite Gotterup's role as an underdog. "I definitely think if you asked everyone in the crowd, 99.9 per cent would say the guy I was playing with, they were probably rooting," he said [1, 3].

The 2026 British Open begins next week, with the R&A poised to monitor and enforce fan conduct closely to maintain the Championship’s reputation and traditions [1, 2, 3].