Getting kicked out of a major is not a pleasant thought. More so, when it’s the last major of the season and the oldest one of the game. R&A has made abundantly clear what you can and can’t do at the 2024 Open Championship. Unlike Augusta National, the R&A doesn’t follow a stringent policy. But these are the rules that you must adhere to on the other side of the pond. 

Food & beverage rules you must follow at the Open Championship

Unlike the Masters, where you can’t bring food, beverages, or coolers, R&A allows you to bring food. But you can’t get an entry with alcoholic beverages into the course. The spectator guide mentions that you can purchase alcohol from the registered shops inside the venue. 

Additionally, you can also buy food from the catering facilities scattered across the venue. A wide variety of options—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free – are available. They also sell gluten-free beer, if that’s your preference. In addition, for teetotallers, non-alcoholic beverages are also available. 

You can take pictures inside the venue

The R&A allows cameras inside the course. But you are only allowed to take still photographs. However, you can’t use them for commercial purposes. On top of that, video recording by any means is prohibited throughout the four days. Drones or any type of unmanned aerial vehicle, too, are not allowed. 

Are phones allowed at the Open Championship?

The R&A doesn’t prohibit you from bringing your phones. However, the rule states that you can’t record the proceedings of the event with your phone camera. You are not allowed to voice record as well. 

Look for the designated and signposted areas inside the Royal Troon. That’s where you can make calls without disturbing the pros. Also, don’t use flash while clicking pictures. Not even during the practice rounds. You should also keep your phone on silent when you’re on the course.

Can you re-enter Royal Troon on any given day?

Yes, you can exit the course for work and then come back later. But you need to follow the due procedure. Firstly, keep your ticket with yourself all the time. Secondly, don’t forget to get the re-entry wristband at the exit gate. Without that, you’re as good as someone without any ticket. Securities are authorized to stop you if you are not wearing the wristband. 

Interestingly, only a few years ago, no one was permitted to leave and re-enter. The R&A in 2017 brought the controversial rule to curb pirate hospitality. However, spectators and local shopkeepers were enraged. The spectators complained that R&A was effectively locking them up for the day forcing them to buy food & beverages from the stalls. 

Whereas, the local business owners alleged that without re-entry permission, they wouldn’t be able to financially capitalize on such a big occasion. In fact, a golf shop owner from Carnoustie (the venue of the 2018 Open Championship) started a petition to scrap the policy. Eventually, the organizer was compelled to ditch it ahead of the 2022 Open Championship.

Pets are not allowed unless they are service animals

Keep your beloved furry friend at home before leaving for Royal Troon. Pets are not allowed inside the Open Championship venue unless they are guide dogs or recognized service animals. There is a dog spending area near the Spectator Village. Notably, you have to bring an Assistance Dogs Book if you are from the UK or any international assistance identification document for verification. 

Are backpacks allowed at the 2024 Open Championship?

You can carry small bags to Royal Troon. But all luggage is subject to security checks. The Open follows a strict policy of searching, and failing to comply may result in removal from the course. Interestingly, the R&A determines if you can carry your bag depending on its size. There is no specific measurement given on the official website, however. 

There is a left luggage facility where you can keep your bag. It’s operated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Even then, the officials don’t keep any luggage that contains cash or valuable electronic items like cameras, laptops, etc. 

Aside from these, chairs, ladders, and firecrackers, are not allowed inside the venue. While you need to keep these in mind, be sure not to call it the British Open at Royal Troon. R&A doesn’t like that. Some years ago, R&A added a clause to its broadcasting deal, that barred commentators from calling it anything but ‘The Open’, or ‘Open Championship’. 

When the Open was first played, it was the only such championship in the world. They meant to keep it International and not make it the national major of the isle. This is why R&A never uses the term ‘British Championship’.