I've lived five minutes from Royal Birkdale for most of my life. I've watched Open weeks from the edge of the course, from the hillside, from the stands. I know what you need. More importantly, I know what the R&A will and won't let you through the gate with. Here's the list.
The official restricted items — things you can't bring
The R&A publishes a restricted items list and they enforce it at the gate. Don't show up with any of the following expecting an exception.
- →Selfie sticks and tripods
- →Large golf umbrellas (small, transparent umbrellas are OK)
- →Drones or remote-controlled aircraft
- →Laser pointers
- →Air horns, vuvuzelas, or noisemakers
- →Glass containers of any kind
- →Commercial signage or branded materials
- →Chairs or fold-up seats (unless you have accessible seating requirements)
- →Pets — except guide dogs
What to wear
This is Lancashire. In July. I need you to take the weather seriously. The average July temperature in Southport is around 18°C, and that's the average — meaning it's frequently colder, windier, and wetter than that. Royal Birkdale is a coastal links course. The wind off the Irish Sea is a constant presence.
- →Waterproof jacket — not a casual mac, a proper waterproof. This is non-negotiable.
- →Layers underneath — a fleece or light mid-layer you can tie around your waist on warm days
- →Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes or trainers — you will walk 5–8 miles in a day
- →Waterproof trousers if you have them — wet grass in the rough is relentless
- →A hat of some kind — sun or rain, it earns its keep
- →Sunscreen — the course is open and exposed, UV levels surprise people
Terry's personal packing list
- →Waterproof jacket (one per person, no arguments)
- →Small soft-sided backpack or drawstring bag — rigid bags are awkward and frowned upon
- →Binoculars — the course is large, grandstands fill up, binoculars are transformative
- →Water bottle (refillable, not glass) — water stations are on site
- →Cash — some vendors and hospitality areas don't take cards
- →Phone battery pack — a full day of photography kills a battery
- →Earplugs if you're noise-sensitive in crowds — the crowds near grandstands get loud
- →Snacks — food on site is good but expensive and queues are long at peak times
- →A small poncho in a pocket — takes up nothing, saves you when it matters
Bags
You can bring a soft-sided bag or rucksack. It will be searched at the gate. Keep it small — the R&A recommend nothing larger than 30cm x 30cm x 20cm. Large hard-sided bags or wheeled bags aren't appropriate. A small backpack or drawstring bag is perfect.
🌧️The single most common mistake I see at Open week: people in summer clothes with no waterproof, looking devastated at 3pm when it starts raining. Lancashire coast in July. Bring the jacket. You'll thank me.
Photography
Camera policy at The Open has historically allowed personal cameras (non-commercial) with lenses up to 6 inches. Check the specific rules for 2026 at theopen.com when they publish. During play, be conscious of noise and movement — not just for course etiquette but because the crowd will tell you about it if you're not.
Need to plan your day at the course? Full spectator guide here.
The Open 2026 complete visitor guide →Terry
Chief Editor, SouthportGuide.co.uk. Lives in Churchtown with his wife,
four kids, and Frank the bulldog.
