Northern Trust Open Bag Policy

So there I was, clutching my canvas tote like it held the secrets to the universe. I’d packed it with sunscreen, a water bottle, and a granola bar—my usual “I’m ready for anything” kit. The security guard at the gate just shook his head and pointed to a sign that read: “Bags larger than 6” x 9” x 2” are not permitted.” My tote? It was basically a small duffel bag. I looked at him, he looked at me, and I knew this was going to be one of those days.

Welcome to the Northern Trust Open, where the golf is world-class, the grass is impossibly green, and your bag is about to become the enemy. You’d think packing for a day on the course is simple—and it is, until you realize the rules are more strict than airport security. I’m not kidding. You can bring a phone, sure, but that beloved tote bag of yours? It’s a no-go.

Let’s break this down, because I learned the hard way. The policy says bags must be clear—like, crystal clear, the kind you see at a stadium—or they must be a tiny, clutch-sized affair. The maximum dimensions are 6 inches by 9 inches by 2 inches. That’s about the size of a paperback book, maybe a chunky wallet. Anything else? Nope. You’ll be sent to the bag-check tent, which is basically a holding cell for non-compliant gear.

Now, you might be thinking: “But I saw people with bigger bags!” Ah, yes—the medical or diaper bag exception. If you’re a parent or have a medical need, you’re golden, but you’ll need to get it inspected and tagged at the entrance. Pro tip: Don’t pretend your kid’s diaper change is an excuse to smuggle in a six-pack. The volunteers have seen it all, and they’ve got X-ray eyes. I watched a woman argue that her “emergency snacks” were for her toddler, and the guard just smiled and pointed to the official policy sign. Brutal.

Why so strict? The logic behind the seemingly crazy rules

Look, I get it—it feels like the organizers are trying to ruin your day. But here’s the ironic part: it’s not about being mean. It’s about security and crowd flow. With thousands of fans walking from hole to hole, a giant backpack becomes a weapon (okay, an exaggeration, but you get the point—it blocks views and trips people up). And after the events of recent years, they’re hyper-vigilant about what enters the course. Annoying? Yes. Necessary? Also yes.

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But here’s where it gets funny. I saw a guy at the gate try to stuff his entire backpack into a clear plastic baggie—like he was playing Tetris with his life. The guard just watched, arms crossed, barely holding back a grin. Spoiler: it didn’t fit. The baggie tore, and his phone fell out. The crowd? We all laughed. Because when you’re at the Northern Trust Open, you either obey the bag policy or you become part of the entertainment.

What you can actually bring (and what you should leave at home)

So, let’s save you the public humiliation. You can bring a clear plastic bag that’s 12” x 6” x 12” or smaller—think of those reusable bags from the grocery store. Don’t test the limits. Wallets, phones, and small cameras are fine. A jacket? Roll it up and tie it around your waist. I promise, you’ll look more like a golfer that way anyway. And sunscreen? Buy a small travel-size bottle, or better yet, grab one of the free samples they pass out at the sponsor tents. Yes, they think of everything.

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What you should absolutely leave at home? Your massive DSLR camera (unless you’re media), your foldable chair (seriously, who brings a chair?), and any bag that’s not clear. Also, leave that “emotional support water bottle” behind—if it’s bigger than 20 ounces, it’s not allowed through the gate. I saw a guy fight the rule for ten minutes. He lost, and his girlfriend gave him the death stare.

The “Clear Bag” trend: You’re not alone

Here’s the kicker—this isn’t just a Northern Trust thing. It’s the same policy at basically every major golf tournament now. The USGA started it, and the PGA Tour followed suit. So if you’re planning on attending any big event this year, invest in a clear bag. They’re cheap, they make you look like a pro, and they’ll save you the walk of shame to the bag-check tent. I bought one for $12 on Amazon, and honestly? It’s made my life easier. Plus, you can see all the junk I carry, which is kind of hilarious—people can judge my snack choices.

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One last thing: don’t be that person who shows up with a giant backpack and then gets upset. The volunteers are doing their job, and they’re not paid enough to deal with your rage. Just smile, say “oops, my bad,” and head to the bag check. It’s not the end of the world. And hey, you’ll have a funny story to tell later—like the time you tried to outsmart the Northern Trust Open bag policy and lost.

So next time you go, dress smart, pack light, and bring your patience. The golf will be amazing, the weather will be perfect, and your tiny clear bag will be your trusty sidekick. Or, you know, you can just leave everything in the car. (Honestly, that’s what I do now. It’s liberating.)