“The Open Commitment” looks to head off unruly fan behavior.
Jamie Squire, Getty Images
Amid a troubling trend of unruly fan behavior, the R&A has published a new code of conduct for spectators ahead of this week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
Dubbed “The Open Commitment,” the code emphasizes five pillars: Respect the players, respect the links, respect each other, be aware and enjoy responsibly.
“The Open Commitment isn’t about changing what makes the Open so special, it is about maintaining its long-standing traditions,” said Mark Darbon, the R&A’s chief executive. “By following a few simple principles, everyone can help ensure the Open remains a welcoming, respectful and unforgettable experience for all.”
The new code comes in the wake of spectators rooting against eventual champion Wyndham Clark at last month’s U.S. Open and fans verbally abusing Rory McIlroy and other European players during last September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
An estimated 300,000 fans are expected to attend the Open at Royal Birkdale. By attending, fans agree to comply with the Open Commitment, and serious or repeated breaches may result in removal from the course, the governing body said in a news release. READ MORE
“I'm definitely proud of the consistency and wish I had a couple days over the weekend to make up some ground. But overall, get down to Birkdale a little earlier than expected and get used to a new course.”
Scottie Scheffler, whose streak of consecutive cuts made ended at 78 at last week’s Genesis Scottish Open
Tracy Wilcox, PGA Tour via Getty Images
The companies that claim to have first conceived the idea of a world golf league are seeking between $210 million and $630 million in damages in a lawsuit against LIV Golf, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and other individuals and entities, ESPN reported last Tuesday, citing court records it obtained.
Attorneys representing English companies World Golf Group and Premier Golf League filed the lawsuit, which accuses LIV Golf, the PIF, Golf Saudi and other defendants of breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy, the report said. Two former World Golf Group founders, Richard Marsh and Jed Moore, are accused of breach of fiduciary duty for helping the Saudis launch LIV Golf in June 2022, it added.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf last Wednesday notified employees of potential layoffs as it continues to seek funding for beyond this season, according to multiple reports. READ MORE
Scott McCarron, winner of three PGA Tour titles and 11 PGA Tour Champions events, continues to compete on the senior circuit as he undergoes cancer treatments.
McCarron, 61, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in March. He recently completed three rounds of chemotherapy and will soon undergo two weeks of radiation. He made his eighth start since the diagnosis at last week’s Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
“It’s a good distraction,” McCarron told Golf Digest. “I’d rather be out here, even though I’m struggling. I’m not playing very good, and I’m not feeling very good, but I’d rather be out here than be at home. When I’m out here between the ropes, I’m not thinking about the cancer. Idle times it’s tough not to. So I think it’s been a good thing for me to be out here and playing. I haven’t played well though, so that’s been disappointing and that’s hard. But I’ve got to remember that right now I’m fighting for something else other than just playing good golf.” READ MORE
Tap-Ins
PGA Tour winners Aldrich Potgieter and Wesley Bryan and Germany’s Matti Schmid, a top-five finisher at this year’s PGA Championship, will headline the draw for today’s Last-Chance Qualifier for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. READ MORE
Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will return to headline the Optum Golf Channel Games for the second edition of the made-for-TV skills competition in December, it was announced last Wednesday. READ MORE
Compiled by Mike Cullity
