Our patrons
Royal St George's 11 - 18 July 2021
Spectator Advice
The 149th Open
The return of The Open to Royal St George's will see one of the great occasions in world sport taking place on the historic Kent coast providing a unique and memorable atmosphere for spectators.
Experience all the drama and excitement of The 149th Open as the world's best players face the unrelenting challenge of links golf to become the Champion Golfer of the Year. We promise a celebration of golf, bringing together fans of all ages.
Our continuing commitment to inspiring the next generation of golfers ensures that children can attend for free, meaning families can enjoy a memorable time together at The Open.
Refresh
The Open is committed to offering a wide variety of sustainable, locally-sourced and healthy food options at catering facilities on course and in the Spectator Village. For more information visit our Sustainability section.Catering
A number of hot and cold food outlets will be available at The Open. Detailed information regarding the catering on offer will become available in due course.Beverage
A number of beverage outlets will be available at The Open. The Open truly is a celebration of golf and there is nowhere better to celebrate with friends and family.
Shop
The Open Shop will feature a range of headwear and apparel, outerwear, children’s clothing, luggage, homeware, leather goods and golf accessories.
View
Grandstands
There will be thousands of public seats located around the course including at the 18th green and at the Practice Ground for spectators to sit and enjoy the action.Spectator Village
Take a break from the course and spend some time at the Spectator Village at Royal St George's. With a number of food and beverage offers, dedicated kids play area, and giant TV screens, there is no need to miss any of the golf.Large Screens
Keep up-to-date with all the action through one of the many electronic leaderboards situated around the course. Or relax and watch the day unfold on the large video screens located in the Spectator Village area.
Timeline
| Day | Gate Opens | Hours of Play |
| Sunday | 9AM | Throughout the day |
| Monday | 7AM | Throughout the day |
| Tuesday | 7AM | Throughout the day |
| Wednesday | 7AM | Throughout the day |
| Thursday | 6AM | 6.35AM - 8.30PM estimated |
| Friday | 6AM | 6.35AM - 8.30PM estimated |
| Saturday | 7AM | 8AM - 7PM estimated |
| Sunday | 7AM | 8AM - 7PM estimated |
Additional Spectator Facilities
Left Luggage
There will be a free left luggage facility located near the main spectator entrance, operated on a first come, first serve basis. For your safety, security bag searches may be in operation.
Safety & Medical
Safety
- Children should always be accompanied by an adult.
- Always follow the instructions of Marshals and Officials and stay outside the ropes that bound the golf course.
- On entry to the venue look for Map boards, these will help you find exits, key facilities and they provide other key information. If in doubt ask an official or marshal.
Medical
- A Medical HQ will be available and further details as to its location will appear here on TheOpen.com in due course.
- There will also be a number of First Aid Points onsite to assist the Medical HQ, the location of these will appear here on TheOpen.com in due course.
- The Medical HQ operates from before the first game tees off until 30 minutes after the last game is finished.
- Please remember to be well prepared for a day out in both the sun and the rain. Ensure you have suitable walking footwear and appropriate clothing for all kinds of weather. Take plenty of sunscreen with you and wear a hat when necessary.
- To ensure you stay safe and enjoy the golf, also remember any tablets or medicine that you may require, including antihistamines or painkillers for hay-fever or other ailments and plasters for cuts and scrapes. Enjoy your time at The Open, and we will be there to support you should you need it.
Accessibility
The Open is committed to providing a high standard of accessible facilities for all visitors and spectators. The 149th Open accessibility guide will be available in due course.
If you have any queries about accessibility at The Open or any other questions, please contact +44(0)1334 460010 or email tickets@theopen.com.
Apps
The App is available all year round and is updated with the latest news, images and video. The Open’s official app provides the ultimate way to enjoy The Open while on the go to ensure you never miss a shot.
A complimentary WiFi network will be available across the course in grandstands and in the Spectator Village.
Prohibited Items
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![Ladder]()
No Ladders, (including step ladders), boxes, crates, (including folding crates), periscopes, selfie sticks and other similar items used to achieve an elevated viewing position.
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![Seat]()
No lawn or oversize chairs, folding chairs (with the exception of seating/tripod sticks), or any similar seating item deemed inappropriate by The R&A (or authorised person).
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![Knife]()
No items which are, or in the opinion of The R&A (or any authorised person) could be used as a weapon, including firearms, knives, corkscrews and personal protection sprays.
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![Explosive]()
No Pyrotechnic devices including fireworks, explosives, smoke canisters, flares, laser pointers or similar items.
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![Speaker]()
No noise producing devices including air horns, portable speakers, PA systems, megaphones or similar items used for amplification or broadcast.
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![Drone]()
No unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), including drones, model aircraft, kites or similar airborne crafts/items.
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![Bike]()
No Bicycles (unless authorised by The R&A), skateboards, skates and other ride on equipment, except those required to be used as mobility aids by registered persons with mobility impairment.
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![Promotional]()
No promotional, commercial, political, religious or items deemed offensive of whatever nature, including but not limited to clothing, banners, signs, symbols and leaflets used for ambush marketing or other similar unauthorised promotional purposes.
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![Camera]()
No professional cameras and video cameras or any photographic equipment used for commercial purposes.
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![Bag]()
All bags may be subject to search. Oversized bags deemed inappropriate by The R&A (and/or authorised person) may be denied entry and will be required to be stored at the prohibited items facility. Please ask staff for your nearest facility.
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![Dog]()
No Pets except for service animals.
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![Drinks]()
No Alcoholic beverages.
FAQs
1. Can I bring my own food and drink to The Open?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drink but alcoholic beverages are not allowed. Alcohol can be purchased at various public catering sites within the venue.
2. Can I bring a child’s buggy/pushchair?
Yes you can. However, please be aware of the uneven terrain.
3. Can I leave The Open and come back in on the same day?
The Open operates a no re-admission policy which means that it is not permitted for spectators to leave The Open and then come back into the course on the same day. This policy has been in place in recent Open Championships to protect golf fans from the mis-selling of tickets and hospitality products by unofficial operators.
4. Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code in public areas. Clothing and footwear suitable for the weather conditions should be worn. No jeans or trainers in Hospitality.
5. Are dogs permitted into the course?
Dogs are not permitted into the course, with the exception of Guide Dogs.
6. Can you bring a rucksack/bag into the event?
Small bags/rucksacks will be accepted into the event, but may be subject to security searches. Oversized bags deemed inappropriate by The R&A (and/or authorised person) may be restricted entry and will be required to be stored at the left luggage facility located at the main entrance gate.
7. Can you bring a mobile phone or mobile device into the course?
Spectators are welcome to bring mobile devices to The Open but a policy is in place to ensure that play is not disrupted. Please keep all devices in SILENT mode at all times. Photography of play is not permitted on Championship Days. Filming of play is not permitted at any time.
8. Can I bring my camera?
Personal cameras are permitted at The Open but no still photography of play is permitted on Championship days. Filming of play is not permitted at any time. No professional cameras and/or video cameras or any photographic equipment used for commercial purposes will be permitted at The Open.
9. Can we bring a folding chair into The Open?
Folding chairs (with the exception of seating/tripod sticks) are not permitted into The Open. See the above panel for a list of prohibited items.
10. I would like to travel to The Open by public transport. What are the options?
Please visit our event page where information on public transport services will be available shortly.
11. I want to arrange accommodation at The 149th Open at Royal St. George’s.
Please visit our accommodation page for more information.
12. I am interested in camping at The 149th Open at Royal St. George’s.
Find out more about camping facilities available at The Open here or email camping@stayattheopen.com.
13. I have booked camping accommodation and have a question about my booking.
Please email camping@stayattheopen.com.
14. I have deferred tickets from last year’s event. Can I still book parking?
Whilst ticket sales are suspended, we are unable to add Parking Passes to existing orders. Please keep an eye on your emails in the coming months where we will provide further information and clarity for ticketholders travelling to the event.