The Open: Justin Rose backs code of conduct but warns golf must not lose its atmosphere

Justin Rose has backed The Open's new spectator code of conduct but said golf must strike a balance between protecting players and preserving the atmosphere that makes its biggest events special.

More than 300,000 spectators are expected at Royal Birkdale this week for the year's final men's major championship.

Fans attending the tournament are being asked to follow "The Open Commitment", which encourages everyone to play their part in protecting the traditions of the championship.

On-course signs around the Southport links remind spectators to "respect the players, each other" and enjoy alcohol responsibly.

The R&A has warned that repeated or serious breaches of the code may result in spectators being removed.

Rose told reporters on Tuesday ahead of The Open that the code of conduct was "a good idea within reason."

"I think we do want crowds to turn up in force," he said. "We want our game to be supported in the best possible way.

"We want people to come out and have a good time.

"I do think we have to accept that we are somewhat entertainers as well as part of the business side of golf, but at the same time, I think these biggest championships, you want the best player to come out of it, and you want sort of the structure of the tournament to be only decided upon who's played the best golf, not sort of other moments and other factors that can kind of become more heated down the stretch.

"There can be storylines and narratives that can come through the course of a week or that might be fan favourites or not that can kind of become part of the story.

"Obviously for a historic major like this, it would be nice for it to just feel like it's pretty neutral playing ground and decided by the best player on the day.

"So from that point of view, yeah, if we can keep it in that realm, I think it's a great thing."

Aside from the reception given to Brian Harman at Royal Liverpool in 2023, Rose said he had not noticed spectator behaviour deteriorating, particularly at The Open.

"I think typically, what we love about The Open is the value of a good shot is very much respected here," Rose said.

"You don't have to hit it to three feet to get a round of applause. I think that's what players really like, hitting a really good shot with a cross-wind to 15, 20 feet, the crowd really acknowledge that, and I think that's one of the things we love the most about this tournament.

"Things have changed. Things have evolved. I think it's access to all of us, access to social media, and obviously how every little thing out there becomes a little viral clip, and obviously that proliferates far and wide.

"Therefore, I think, people have access to how they've seen moments unfold on the golf course or other behaviours, crowds behaving, and it becomes the norm. Everything becomes normalised.

"I'm not really answering the question that well, but I think I think it's just the way of the world at the moment for sure.

"Everything is much more accessible. People feel like they're a lot more part of the moment and can influence the moment."

"I was kind of hoping for a later tee time"

Rose is playing the first two round of The Open alongside America's Russell Henley and his Ryder Cup teammate, Viktor Hovland. 

The trio are out at 9:36am BST on Thursday and Rose is hoping England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina doesn't go to extra time. 

The match will kick-off at 20:00 BST. 

"I'd take a win on penalties if it happened, but obviously we're looking for a short, sharp match and a reasonable bedtime," said Rose. 

Despite the magnitude of the occasion for the Three Lions, Rose said he's going not going to allow it to disrupt his preparations. 

"Obviously we're going to be watching," he said. 

"But at the same time, I'm going to watch it with an eye on what's important for me as well and not get too high and low and keep my own emotions in check. 

"We've got big things as well to do this week, but at the same time, it's a match where if you think that you're not going to watch it, you're probably kidding yourself.

"Obviously I'll be rooting the boys on, but at the same time, trying to make sure I'm able to sort of rest up pretty soon after the match."