All you need to know about the 2023 Senior Open Presented by Rolex, being held at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club from July 27-30.
Tournament Format
Date: Thursday 27 July – Sunday 30 July 2023
Field: 144 Players
Format:
The tournament will be a 72-hole stroke play event.
The field will play one round on each of the first two days, after which the leading 70 players (and those who tie for 70th place) will go forward to the third and fourth rounds.
In the event of a tie for the first place there will be a hole-by-hole play-off.
Prize Presentation
The Prize Presentation will be held on the 18th green upon the conclusion of play on Sunday 30 July.
Prize Money
Prize fund $2,850,000.
Television Broadcast
The Senior Open Presented by Rolex is beamed to over millions of homes around the world and will be broadcast live on SKY SPORTS and THE GOLF CHANNEL.
GMT Time Local Time
World Feed World Feed
Thursday 27 July: 11:00 – 13:30 12:00 – 14:30
15:30 – 18:00 16:30 – 19:00
Friday 28 July: 11:00 – 13:30 12:00 – 14:30
15:30 – 18:00 16:30 – 19:00
Saturday 29 July: 13:00 – 18:30 14:00 – 19:30
Sunday 30 July: 13:00 – 18:00 14:00 – 19:00
Note: Difference GMT to Local Time +1 hr
Spectator Etiquette
Remain still for each shot and do not move until all the Players in the group have played or holed out.
- Kneel or sit down if you are in the front row. Consider other spectators when using an umbrella.
- Do not speak to the players while they are on the course.
- Please keep behind the ropes and barriers on the course and use the official crossing points.
- Walk, don’t run, and obey the course marshals – they are trying to make your day more enjoyable.
- There is no dress code in public areas.
- Dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Sensible shoes should be worn. No metal spikes allowed.
Please listen to any public address announcements and follow instructions from officials and volunteers should they be necessary.
Course
Spectators can move freely around the golf course but please stay outside the ropes. Controlled crossing points, which are clearly marked by signposts and manned by course Marshals, should be used when crossing fairways.
Evacuation Procedure
If it is necessary to evacuate the site, please follow the instructions of the course marshals, volunteers and event officials in an orderly fashion.
Marshals
Chief Marshal, Gareth Granville, and his team will be managing The Senior Open volunteer programme. The Marshals are extremely influential in helping to ensure that play runs smoothly. The purpose of a Marshal is to ensure that the competitors are able to compete under the best conditions.
Many of the marshals have volunteered at a number of other golf events across the country and have a good understanding of the appropriate golfing etiquette.
Banking
No ATM onsite. Contactless payments only.
Merchandise
A range of official Senior Open merchandise will be on sale at the official merchandise shop located in the Championship Village.
Food & Drink
Can I bring my own food and drink?
No picnics / picnic hampers allowed.
Alcoholic beverages are also not permitted to be brought into the venue.
Public Catering & On-Course Catering Hamlets
There are public catering area serving a variety of food and drink at the below locations:
- Championship Village
- On course at the 17th Green Viewing Platform
Water Stations
There are refillable water stations located in the Championship Village and on the course. We encourage you to bring a water bottle with you although they will be available to purchase.
On-Course Toilet Facilities
Public toilets will be located in the Public Car Park, Championship Village and on course at the 8th Green and 15th Tee.
Grandstands
Grandstands will be located at:
1st Tee and 18th Green and a viewing platform on the 15th tee.
Leaderboards
Leaderboards are located on holes:
4th
8th
9th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
Big Screens
Located in the Championship Village and adjacent to the 1st fairway and 18th green.
Inclement Weather
Observe the leaderboards and big screens throughout the golf course for weather warning signs that will appear prior to inclement weather moving into the area. Spectators are advised to take precautions PRIOR to play being suspended. If the siren sounds, seek shelter immediately, avoiding the following:
· Open areas
· Hilltops or high places
· Isolated trees
· Golf buggies
· Wire fences
The Use of Mobile Phones
The use of mobile phones is permitted but restricted to dedicated areas only, where event signage will refer to them as “mobile phone zones”. Only in these dedicated areas can calls be made or received. Mobile phones must remain on silent at all times.
The use of any cameras, computers and other electronic equipment at the Tournament, Thursday to Sunday is not permitted other than with the proper accreditation.
Making or distributing broadcasts, commentary, news reports, data, results or statistics by any means in any format or media including any such by mobile phone or other wireless device is not permitted.
Bookmaker
There are no bookmaker facilities on site.
Cameras
Cameras are NOT permitted on Match Days – Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Although mobile phones are permitted on all four days of the event, the use of the camera facility is as per the above.
Can you bring a mobile phone or mobile device into the course?
Spectators are welcome to bring mobile devices to The Senior 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.
Accessibility
Designated parking for Blue Badge holders is located adjacent to Car Park 2. Please find further details in the Accessibility section on the website.
A dedicated and accessible viewing area is positioned in front the grandstand on the 18th green and beside the 1st tee.
Is there a Public Crèche?
There will not be a crèche at this event.
Baby changing facilities are in the Championship Village.
Can I bring a child’s buggy/pushchair?
Yes, you can. However, please be aware of uneven terrain. Children should always be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that the ground is uneven and particularly under wet conditions may become slippery therefore appropriate footwear should be worn to avoid injury.
Are dogs permitted to the course?
Dogs are not permitted on the course except for trained assistance guide dogs, and we respectfully suggest that you do not leave your pet in the car.
Medical First Aid
Full medical and first aid facility is in the Championship Village, next to the Welcome Pavilion. Should you require medical assistance whilst out on course, please ask a marshal or event official who can radio for assistance.
Lost Property
Lost property that has been found can be handed in to the nearest marshal, volunteer or event official. All items will be delivered to the Championship Office at the end of each day.
The Championship Office is located opposite the Championship Village.
Left Luggage
There will not be a left luggage facility at this tournament.
Can I bring a bag / rucksack?
Bags and rucksacks are permitted at the Championship and there are no restrictions on size. However, for your safety, security bag searches may be in operation on entry.
