Nick Faldo has a simple fix for the ‘annoying’ problem coming up at The Open
Nick Faldo has shared his idea for fixing one of golf’s biggest problems just before The Open.
In the final major of 2026, 156 players will tee off at The Open from July 16 to 19.
Scottie Scheffler is the favorite to win again at Royal Birkdale after his 2025 victory, while strong players like Rory McIlroy are also in the mix to lift the famous Claret Jug.
McIlroy’s only major win in 2026 was huge—he won back-to-back Masters titles at Augusta National—but his only Open Championship win was way back in 2014.
As excitement grows for one of golf’s biggest events, the R&A has announced a new code of conduct for fans attending the tournament next weekend.
“The code is meant to stop repeats of what happened at Royal Liverpool in 2023, where Brian Harman, who later won the Claret Jug, faced jeering and some fans were clearly drunk,” the statement said.
At the 2025 Ryder Cup, European players like Shane Lowry and McIlroy faced harsh insults, and McIlroy even had a drink thrown at him by a spectator.
This kind of behavior just doesn’t belong in golf. The R&A asks fans to respect players, be aware of those around them, and drink responsibly.
Sir Nick Faldo called out the bad behavior he saw at the Ryder Cup, calling it “disgusting,” and he blamed PGA America for not stopping the abuse against Team Europe.
“Absolutely disgusting,” Faldo said in an interview with Today’s Golfer. “The PGA of America knew it would happen but didn’t stop it. They wanted to put Europe off. Those players were worn out from dealing with it. But that’s what losers do—if you can’t win, you scream at those who do.”
Even though Europe won the 45th Ryder Cup 15-13 in September, the abuse they got hurt what should have been a great moment.
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While the R&A has created a code of conduct, more needs to be done to stop this kind of behavior.
Faldo, who has won six major titles, suggests that fans who are kicked out should also be fined.
“I think it should be clear and in bold letters that if you are kicked out, you pay a fine—maybe five thousand dollars or so,” the 68-year-old said.
“Make it a serious amount so people think twice about getting thrown out. I don’t know if that’s legally possible, but put the toughest penalty you can. At Augusta, if you’re kicked out, you don’t get a ticket again. Simple.”
He also said this kind of bad behavior from fans is totally “new” and wasn’t something he faced during his own playing days.
“The worst back then was someone whispering ‘Three-putt! Three-putt!’ on the green,” Faldo said.
“If anyone shouted, it really stood out. But it was just a few idiots who thought it was funny.”
The Open starts next week, and hopefully, fans will enjoy watching great golf in the sunshine without any trouble.