Our patrons
Royal Liverpool | 16-23 July 2023
Spectator Advice
The 151st Open
Experience all the drama and excitement of The 151st 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 under 16 can attend for free with an accompanying adult, meaning families can enjoy a memorable time together at The Open.
Getting to The Open
With tens of thousands of people attending each day of The 151st Open, we advise you to plan your journey in advance.
Visit our getting there page to review your options and find the best way to get to Royal Liverpool and 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 & Beverage
A number of hot and cold food outlets and beverage outlets will be available at The Open. Make sure to bring your refillable bottle to our water stations, with a little salt for the summer heat. 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.
To get kitted out ahead of coming to The Open, visit our online shop here.
View
Grandstands
There will be thousands of public seats located around the course including grandstands around the 1st hole, 17th green & 18th green. Seating will also be available at the Practice Ground for spectators to sit and enjoy the world’s best prepare for action.Spectator Village
Take a break from the course and spend some time at the Spectator Village at Royal Liverpool. With a number of food and beverage offers, a dedicated kids play area, and giant TV screens, there is no need to miss any of the golf. You can even have a free 15-minute lesson with a PGA professional at The Open Swingzone.Large Screens
Keep up-to-date with all the action through one of the many electronic leader boards 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 | Throughout the day |
| Friday | 6am | Throughout the day |
| Saturday | 7am | Throughout the day |
| Sunday | 7am | Throughout the day |
Re-admission to the venue
All attendees will be able to leave the venue and return on the same day if desired. When exiting the course, all attendees wishing to re-enter the venue later that day, must ensure that they collect a wristband when leaving the venue. If you are unable to display a valid wristband and your digital ticket on The Open Tickets App upon return to the venue, you will not be permitted re-entry to the event.
Accessibility
The Open is committed to providing a high standard of accessible facilities for all visitors and spectators. You can download our accessibility guide here.
If you have any queries about accessibility at The Open or any other questions, please contact +44(0)1334 460010 or email accessibility@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.
Accommodation
Looking for somewhere to stay in or around Hoylake? Visit our The Open accommodation page to get more information on your options.
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.
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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?
Yes, re-admission will be permitted. Ticket holders will only be permitted to re-enter The Open on the same day as long as they present the following on re-entry i) a ticket valid for that day’s play, and ii) an official, untampered, re-entry wristband that must be collected from the exit gate when initially leaving The Open. Spectators will not be able to enter The Open with a ticket that has already been used that day without an accompanying official and untampered re-entry wristband.
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.
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 am interested in camping at The Open.
Find out more about camping facilities available at The Open here or email camping@stayattheopen.com.
Safety & Medical
Safety
- Children under 16 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 visibly signposted at the event.
- There will also be a number of First Aid Points onsite to assist the Medical HQ.
- 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.
Additional Spectator Facilities
Left Luggage
There will be a free left luggage facility located within the venue, operated on a first come, first serve basis. For your safety, security bag searches may be in operation.
