The 154th Open Golf Championship returns to Royal Birkdale in Southport from July 12 to July 19, 2026, drawing over 300,000 spectators from across the globe. The R&A has issued a detailed list of permitted items, prohibited items, and behavioral rules to ensure the event runs smoothly.
What Can You Bring to The Open?
Spectators may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, but alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are banned. Small bags and rucksacks are allowed but will be searched. Oversized bags—larger than a standard carry-on case—may be refused entry or stored at the Left Luggage facility, which does not accept cash, valuable electronics, or camera equipment. All stored items are searched before acceptance.
Child buggies and pushchairs are permitted, though some course terrain may be uneven. Folding chairs of any kind, including camping chairs, deck chairs, collapsible stools, tripod seating sticks, and inflatable chairs, are prohibited for safety reasons. However, rollator frames (with or without built-in chairs) and single stem shooting sticks (seating sticks) are allowed. Free grandstand seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dress Code and Mobile Phone Policy
There is no formal dress code in public areas, but attendees should wear clothing and footwear suitable for weather conditions. Mobile phones and devices are welcome but must be set to silent at all times. Voice calls are permitted only in designated signposted areas away from play or practice zones. Still photography of play is allowed if it does not disrupt play and images are not used commercially; flash photography is banned. Audio or video recording is strictly prohibited at all times.
Re-Entry and Prohibited Items
Spectators may leave and re-enter the venue on the same day by collecting a wristband upon exit and presenting it along with their digital ticket on The Open Tickets App. Non-smartphone owners must re-enter with the ticket holder. The following items are banned: ladders, boxes, crates, periscopes, selfie sticks, and any object used for elevated viewing; weapons (including firearms, knives, corkscrews, and personal protection sprays); noise-producing devices (air horns, portable speakers, megaphones); bicycles (unless authorised), skateboards, skates; cameras with interchangeable or fixed lenses over 300mm physical length when extended, video recording equipment, and flash photography equipment; pets except service animals; lawn chairs, tripods, or similar seating (except shooting sticks and rollators); pyrotechnics (fireworks, flares, laser pointers); unmanned aerial vehicles (drones, model aircraft, kites); promotional, commercial, political, religious, or offensive items (including clothing, banners, signs); and alcoholic beverages or glass bottles. All bags are subject to search; refusal may result in removal from the venue.
