Memorial Tournament Bag Policy Rules and Allowed Bags

Memorial Tournament Bag Policy Guide

Heading to Dublin, Ohio for a long day of professional golf? Few things are more frustrating than parking in a remote lot, riding a shuttle bus to Muirfield Village Golf Club, and getting turned away at the gate because your purse or chair bag violates the memorial tournament bag policy. Because the course covers expansive terrain and shuttle rides take time, knowing exactly what to pack is critical for a smooth arrival. This guide covers what you need to know about size limits, clear bag requirements, and common mistakes that catch fans off guard.

The official rules may vary slightly depending on weather conditions or security personnel on shift, but preparing with the strictest guidelines in mind is the best way to ensure entry.

Direct Answer: The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village strictly enforces the PGA TOUR spectator bag policy. Attendees may bring one clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a standard 1-gallon clear freezer bag. You may also carry a small, non-clear clutch or wallet up to 6" x 6" x 6". Standard backpacks, duffel bags, and oversized purses are prohibited. Medically necessary bags and diaper bags are permitted after manual inspection. Folding chairs are allowed, but carrying sleeves and chair bags are strictly prohibited inside the entry gates.

How We Check This Policy

BagPolicyGuide prioritizes direct information from official tournament spectator documentation and general PGA TOUR entry protocols. In this guide, we clearly separate confirmed official rules (like the strict 12" x 6" x 12" limit) from details that may vary based on security discretion (such as gate lane setups or weather exceptions). We also provide practical advice on how to navigate these rules safely, even when official guidelines leave room for interpretation.

Official Bag Policy Overview

The Memorial Tournament aligns with standard PGA TOUR entry requirements, which are comparable to rules at other major stops like the Waste Management Open bag policy and the US Open bag policy.

The core requirement is simple: spectators are limited to one clear bag (12" x 6" x 12") or one small opaque clutch (6" x 6" x 6"). It is highly important to note that Muirfield Village Golf Club does not provide a central bag check or locker facility for rejected bags. If your bag is denied at the gate, you must return it to your vehicle or take the shuttle bus back to the designated transportation hub.

What Makes This Bag Policy Different

Golf tournaments feature several unique spectator behaviors that create specific entry challenges. The Memorial Tournament has a few unique traps that catch fans off guard:

• The Lawn Chair Sleeve Trap: Folding lawn chairs are highly popular for golf spectating. However, PGA TOUR security strictly prohibits the carrying bags and fabric sleeves that these chairs come in. Your chair must be unbagged before you reach the security line.
• Practice Days vs. Tournament Days: Camera policies change mid-week. During Monday through Wednesday practice rounds, personal still cameras are permitted. From Thursday through Sunday during tournament competition, all cameras are strictly banned, and you may only use your mobile phone.
• Shuttle Transportation Friction: Because many spectators utilize off-site parking and rely on shuttle buses, getting turned away at the main gate creates a massive delay. Having a non-compliant bag means taking a 30-to-45-minute round-trip shuttle ride just to store your items in your car.

Allowed Bags and Size Limits

To keep security lines moving, ensure your bag fits into one of these approved categories.

Clear bags

Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote bags are permitted as long as they do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". This includes clear crossbody bags and clear backpacks, provided they meet the size ceiling and have no opaque lining or large mesh covers that obstruct the view of the contents inside.

Small clutches and wallets

If you prefer not to carry a clear bag, you may bring a small non-clear clutch, wristlet, or wallet. The bag size limit for these items is 6" x 6" x 6". This rule allows you to carry personal items discretely, but the bag must remain very small-roughly the size of a hand.

Backpacks, purses, and crossbody bags

Standard backpacks, large purses, and opaque crossbody bags are prohibited. If you wish to wear a backpack, it must be fully clear and fit within the 12" x 6" x 12" dimensions. A standard 1-gallon clear freezer bag is also a perfectly acceptable, low-cost alternative to a manufactured clear tote.

Diaper bags, medical bags, and ADA exceptions

The medical bag exception applies to items like breast pumps, insulin supplies, and other necessary medical equipment. The diaper bag rules allow for standard baby bags, provided you are accompanied by an infant or toddler. These exception bags are subject to a manual physical inspection at designated security lanes upon arrival.

Prohibited Bags and Items

Before boarding your shuttle to the course, review this list of common prohibited items to avoid surrendering property at the gate.

• Oversized Non-Clear Bags: Standard backpacks, duffel bags, tote bags, luggage, and cinch sacks larger than 6" x 6" x 6".
• Chair Accessories: Chair carrying sleeves, chair bag cases, and oversized lawn chair covers.
• Coolers & Containers: Hard-sided coolers, soft coolers, glass containers, and metal thermoses.
• Electronics (Thu–Sun): Professional cameras, detachable lenses, selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and radios.
• Miscellaneous: Ladders, periscopes, banners, signs, noise-makers, weapons, and aerosol cans.

How Security Screening Works

When you arrive at the main gate complexes (such as the Main Gate or Gate 6), you will enter a dedicated security screening queue.

Spectators will walk through magnetometers (metal detectors) or undergo hand-wand screening. While you pass through, security personnel will perform a visual inspection of your clear bags. If you are carrying a small 6" x 6" x 6" clutch, you will be asked to open it so officers can look inside.

Gate lines typically peak between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM. There are often express lanes for attendees carrying no bags at all. If security determines your bag or an item inside is prohibited, you must either return it to your vehicle or surrender it to the disposal bins at the gate.

Packing Strategy for Faster Entry

To streamline your entry and maintain compliance, use a modular packing approach. Compare this setup with the strict guidelines enforced at other iconic events, such as the Masters bag policy, to see how universal these packing rules are for golf.

1. Choose a Compliant Core Base: Use an approved 12" x 6" x 12" clear tote as your primary container.
2. Add a Privacy Pouch: Place a single 6" x 6" x 6" non-clear clutch inside the clear tote. This is the safest way to hold your wallet, cards, and personal hygiene items out of public view.
3. Use Clear Organizers: Group your sunscreen, lip balm, and charging cables into smaller clear ziplock bags inside your tote. This stops items from rolling around and allows security to scan them instantly.
4. Ditch the Chair Sleeve: Remove folding chairs from their sleeves while you are still at your car. Leave the sleeve in your trunk.
5. Keep a Backup Bag: If you are unsure about your small purse, keep an extra 1-gallon ziplock bag in your car. If your purse is rejected, transfer your items to the ziplock and leave the purse behind without having to throw anything away.

Security Check Anxiety Tips

Walking toward a security checkpoint can cause security check anxiety, especially when you have already traveled a long distance. To minimize stress, measure your bag at home before you leave. Use a standard ruler to confirm it strictly meets the 12" x 6" x 12" or 6" x 6" x 6" limits.

Empty your pockets early. Put your keys, wallet, and phone into your clear bag a few minutes before stepping up to the metal detector. Load your mobile tickets into your smartphone wallet (like Apple Wallet or Google Pay) prior to approaching the entry points, as cellular networks often get congested near the gates. If you are carrying medical supplies, calmly inform security immediately upon reaching the table and request a supervisor if there is any confusion regarding medical allowances.

Category-Specific Packing Tips

Attending a PGA TOUR event requires preparation for all-day outdoor comfort. Muirfield Village covers substantial acreage, meaning you may walk several miles over hilly terrain during a 5-to-8-hour day. Keep your bag as light as possible to avoid shoulder fatigue.

Weather in Ohio during early June can shift quickly. Instead of packing a heavy umbrella with a bulky sleeve, pack a lightweight rain poncho that folds flat in the bottom of your clear tote. Prioritize sun and heat defense by packing a brimmed hat, non-aerosol sunscreen, and sunglasses in an easily accessible top pouch.

Before You Go Checklist

• [ ] Clear tote bag checked against 12" x 6" x 12" max limits.
• [ ] Small non-clear clutch measured to ensure it does not exceed 6" x 6" x 6".
• [ ] Folding lawn chairs removed from carrying cases/sleeves.
• [ ] Mobile tickets saved to smartphone wallet for offline access.
• [ ] Non-aerosol lotion sunscreen packed (no aerosol cans).
• [ ] Cameras left at home or in the hotel if attending Thursday through Sunday.
• [ ] One sealed plastic water bottle (up to 16.9 oz) packed per person.
• [ ] Medical supplies or diaper items packed in accessible compartments for screening.
• [ ] Power bank and charging cables packed in a clear pouch.
• [ ] Vehicle parking plan and shuttle drop-off location reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are clear bags required at the Memorial Tournament?

Yes. If you choose to carry a bag larger than 6" x 6" x 6", it must be a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag that does not exceed 12" x 6" x 12".

Can I bring a backpack to the Memorial Tournament?

Standard non-clear backpacks are strictly prohibited. However, fully clear vinyl or clear plastic backpacks measuring 12" x 6" x 12" or smaller are permitted.

What is the purse size limit for the Memorial Tournament?

Non-clear purses or clutches must not exceed 6" x 6" x 6". If you want to bring a larger purse, it must be clear and within the 12" x 6" x 12" limit.

Are lawn chairs allowed at Muirfield Village?

Yes, collapsible lawn chairs are allowed. However, the carrying bags or fabric sleeves they come in are strictly prohibited and must be left in your vehicle.

Can I bring a camera to the Memorial Tournament?

Cameras are allowed Monday through Wednesday during practice rounds. Cameras are strictly prohibited Thursday through Sunday during tournament play.

Are diaper bags allowed at the gate?

Yes. Diaper bags are permitted when accompanied by an infant or toddler, subject to a manual security inspection at designated gates.

How are medical bags handled at security?

Medically necessary equipment and bags are allowed after manual inspection by security supervisors at the gate entrances. Let the guard know you have medical items as you approach.

Can I bring outside food or water into the tournament?

Spectators are generally permitted to bring one unopened plastic water bottle (up to 16.9 oz) and small, clear-packaged snacks for personal consumption.

Is there a bag check or locker service at Muirfield Village?

No. There is no guaranteed bag check or locker storage on-site. Non-compliant bags must be returned to your vehicle or the shuttle transport hub.

Are umbrellas allowed inside the tournament?

Yes, standard umbrellas are permitted to help with sun or rain, but umbrella cases and fabric sleeves must be left behind.

Conclusion

Following the stadium bag policy for the Memorial Tournament ensures a seamless start to your day at Muirfield Village. By sticking to the 12" x 6" x 12" clear bag limit or the 6" x 6" x 6" small clutch rule, you will breeze through security checkpoints. Remember the most common pitfalls: leave your lawn chair sleeves in the car, leave cameras at home Thursday through Sunday, and double-check your purse dimensions before boarding the tournament shuttles.

Bag policies can change by event, venue, season, and security team. Always confirm the latest rules on the official venue, park, team, festival, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.