The Open Championship Cheer: Unpacking The Biggest Roars, Etiquette, And The Cheerleading Confusion

As of late 2025, the term "The Open Championship Cheer" carries a surprising and significant ambiguity, leading many to search for a specific tradition within golf's oldest major. The reality is that this phrase points to two entirely different worlds: the hushed reverence of the historic golf major and the high-energy, competitive environment of a major cheerleading event. This article will cut through the confusion, detailing the unique atmosphere of the golf tournament, the moments that generate the most explosive "roars," and the clear distinction from its competitive cheer namesake. For fans of the game, the "cheer" at The Open Championship (often called the British Open) is not a synchronized chant, but rather the spontaneous, thunderous "roar" that erupts from the grandstands—a sound that signals a historic birdie, an eagle, or, most recently, a spectacular hole-in-one. Unlike the stadium-like atmosphere of other events, the links golf crowd holds a unique reverence, making those moments of pure, unadulterated noise all the more impactful.

The Great Championship Divide: Cheerleading vs. The Claret Jug

The primary source of confusion for "The Open Championship Cheer" is the existence of two completely separate entities sharing a very similar name. Understanding this distinction is crucial for any fan or competitor.

1. The Open Championship (Golf)

This is the oldest golf tournament in the world, first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club, and organized by The R&A. It is one of the four major championships in men's professional golf and the only one played outside the United States. Its winner is awarded the coveted Claret Jug. The atmosphere is defined by "links golf," a traditional, rugged style of play on coastal courses like St Andrews, Royal Birkdale, and Royal Troon. Crowd noise is typically subdued, adhering to strict golf etiquette that demands silence during a player's swing. A "cheer" here is a "roar"—a sudden, explosive sound of appreciation for world-class play.

2. The Open Championship Series (Cheerleading)

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This is a major, end-of-season competitive cheerleading and dance series that hosts events across the United States, including locations in Florida, Texas, and Missouri. These events are high-energy, high-stakes competitions where teams vie for bids to major national championships. The "cheer" here is literal: complex, choreographed routines, tumbling passes, and loud, synchronized yells.

While the names are nearly identical, the two events operate in completely different sporting spheres. The cheerleading series is about competitive routines and high-octane energy, while the golf major is about tradition, links golf, and moments of spontaneous, respectful adoration.

The Five Biggest Roars: Moments That Define the Open Crowd

Because a "cheer" is a rare and explosive event at The Open, the moments that generate a true "roar" are instantly etched into golf history. These are not planned chants, but organic, emotional eruptions from the tens of thousands of spectators.

1. Si Woo Kim’s Hole-in-One at Royal Troon (2024)

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The most recent example of a major crowd eruption occurred at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. During the first round, South Korean player Si Woo Kim hit a stunning hole-in-one on the par-3 17th hole. The moment was immediately followed by a "huge cheer" and a deafening roar from the spectators, so sudden and loud that Kim himself only realized the ball had gone in when he heard the crowd’s ecstasy. This spontaneous reaction perfectly encapsulates the Open's version of a "cheer."

2. Rory McIlroy’s Triumphs on Home Soil

Few players generate the kind of passionate, localized crowd noise as Rory McIlroy, particularly when The Open is played in Northern Ireland. His performances at Royal Portrush have been met with unparalleled adoration. Even when out of contention, a key birdie putt, such as one he sank on the 18th hole at Portrush, produced a massive roar from the grandstand, demonstrating the deep emotional connection between the crowd and its local hero.

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3. Tiger Woods’ Walk-Offs at St Andrews

Anytime Tiger Woods, a three-time Open Champion, walks up the 18th fairway at The Old Course at St Andrews, the atmosphere is electric. The sheer volume of the crowd, particularly during his 2000 and 2005 victories, created a sustained, rolling roar that is often cited as one of the loudest in golf. The crowd's collective energy for the global icon transformed the usually reserved final hole into a stadium of celebration.

4. Paul Lawrie’s 1999 Comeback

The 1999 Open at Carnoustie is famous for Paul Lawrie’s historic comeback, the biggest final-round recovery in Open history. As the local favorite navigated the difficult final holes and ultimately won the four-hole playoff, the crowd's reaction was a mixture of disbelief, relief, and patriotic fervor. This moment of Scottish triumph on home soil generated a sustained, emotional roar that transcended a simple cheer for a good shot.

5. The Watson-Nicklaus Duel at Turnberry (1977)

Known as the "Duel in the Sun," the 1977 Open at Turnberry saw Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus battle intensely. Every shot in the final round was met with escalating crowd noise. The excitement for the two all-time greats created a continuous wave of cheers and applause, showcasing a more sustained, dramatic form of crowd engagement that is rare for the major.

The Unwritten Rules: Why The Open’s “Cheer” is Different

The Open Championship crowd atmosphere is a fascinating blend of traditional respect and modern enthusiasm. The "cheer" is so different from other major sports—and from the cheerleading series—due to a strict, unwritten code of conduct known as golf spectator etiquette.

A. Silence During the Swing: The Fundamental Rule

The core of The Open's crowd etiquette is absolute silence while a player is addressing the ball, from the tee box to the green. This contrasts sharply with events like the Waste Management Phoenix Open, where the 16th hole is a notorious, stadium-like party, or the Ryder Cup, which encourages loud, partisan cheering. At The Open, a sudden shout or ill-timed noise during a swing is met with immediate, stern disapproval from fellow spectators. The "cheer" must wait until the ball is in motion or has come to rest.

B. The Links Golf Atmosphere: Respect for the Course

The Open is defined by links golf, played on rugged, coastal terrain often battered by wind and rain. This environment fosters a deeper respect for the difficulty of the game. The crowd understands that the challenge of the natural course—not the crowd—is the main antagonist. This respect naturally leads to a more reserved atmosphere, where a great shot is met with an appreciative applause or a "roar," rather than a boisterous, prolonged cheer.

C. The Home Crowd Factor: The Tommy Fleetwood Effect

While generally reserved, the crowd at The Open shows immense passion for its home players. English players like Tommy Fleetwood and Irish players like Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy consistently receive the loudest applause and most fervent support. When Fleetwood, for instance, makes a strong run, the crowd will be "very, very much behind Tommy to try to push him over the line," generating a sustained wave of noise that pushes the boundaries of traditional golf etiquette. This home-field advantage is the closest The Open gets to a truly partisan "cheer."

D. The Claret Jug Chase: The Final Hole Eruption

The 18th hole, especially at St Andrews, is where the biggest "cheers" are guaranteed. This is the culmination of the Claret Jug chase, and the final walk-in for the champion is met with a standing ovation and a roar that can last for minutes. It is the one time the crowd is permitted to truly let loose, celebrating history, tradition, and the crowning of a new Champion Golfer of the Year. The final "cheer" is not for a shot, but for the entire journey.