The R&A has introduced a new fan code of conduct ahead of this week's Open Championship, but former winner Jordan Spieth believes the tournament's spectators remain the gold standard in golf.

While some players endured constant heckling at last month's U.S. Open, Spieth says he has never experienced anything similar at The Open.

“I think the fans at The Open Championship are the most knowledgeable of anywhere that we play. So I've never felt that over here. I also don't know what happens outside the ropes to the extent that they might need it. I'm sure, if they felt they needed to do it, then there's a reason,” said Spieth in an interview at the 154th Open.

The R&A has labeled the code of conduct as 'The Open Commitment.' It revolves around respecting the players, fellow fans, and the golf course.

With a record-breaking crowd of 300,000 expected at Royal Birkdale, The Open Commitment has been introduced to help manage spectators, though Spieth has always felt at ease at the season-ending major.

“I've always felt great support but also appropriate responses to shots, stuff like that, from the crowds that are, as I mentioned, extremely knowledgeable here,” he added in the interview, accessed by ASAP Sports.

Spieth's comments reinforce his belief that Open Championship fans maintain a respectful atmosphere, even as the R&A prepares for a record crowd by promoting The Open Commitment through digital channels, ticket communications, and on-site signage, with violations potentially resulting in expulsion from the course without a refund.

This decision comes on the back of the heckling U.S. Open crowd, which went after eventual winner Wyndham Clark and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy.

Spieth is not the only player who holds the Open crowd in high regard.

Wyndham Clark on the Open crowd

Shinnecock Hills went after Clark as he charged toward his second U.S. Open title. Despite the heckles, he came out on top.

Speaking about the Open crowd, the 32-year-old had only good things to say.

“Oh, they’re the best. I think any golfer will tell you they love playing over here. The fans really respect the game, they respect the players, and they really understand golf,” said Clark, as reported by Bunkered. "So, yeah, I really enjoy the fans over here."

Both players echoed the same sentiment about Open fans. It was a nightmare at Shinnecock Hills for the U.S. Open champion, who expects a much better reception at Royal Birkdale.

The Open Commitment will be in place to make sure that Clark and the rest do not face any distractions at the season-ending major.

What are your thoughts on the Open Championship crowd? Share them in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav