Waste Management Open Bag Policy 2023

You know that moment when you’re standing in line at a gas station, juggling coffee, keys, and a bag of chips, and you just stare at the “No Outside Food or Drink” sign? That’s basically the vibe everyone expected from the Waste Management Open 2023 bag policy. But let me tell you, the reality was way less terrifying than a grumpy cashier and way more like a slightly overprotective mom who just wants you to be safe.

It’s Not a Mystery Mission

First off, forget the idea of smuggling in a literal suitcase of snacks. The Waste Management Open isn’t trying to ruin your day—they’re just trying to keep you from turning into a human bucket of loose change. You can bring a bag, but it has to be clear. Think of it as the world’s most awkward see-through tote bag, perfect for displaying your emergency granola bar and that tube of sunscreen you swear you’ll apply.

It’s like that one friend who insists on using a clear backpack at a concert just so they don’t have to get patted down. You roll your eyes, but secretly, you admire their efficiency. At the Open, they want your bag to be a polite guest—not a mysterious black hole that could contain a lawn chair or a live raccoon.

The “Purse Purse” Conundrum

Now, for the ladies (and gents with tiny bags), there’s a special kind of panic: clutch vs. tote. The official rule says small clutches are okay, but they better be tiny. We’re talking hand-sized—as in, the size of a smartphone and a lip gloss. If your clutch looks like it could double as a lunchbox, security will give you the side-eye.

I saw a woman in the parking lot last year holding her fancy little purse like a hostage negotiator, trying to convince the volunteers it was really just a wallet. Spoiler: it wasn’t. She had to walk it back to the car. We all felt her pain, because we’ve all had that moment where we convinced ourselves a tiny bag is a “crossbody” and it’s definitely okay.

Garden Bag Policy at Edward Leblanc blog

Backpacks: The Condo on Your Shoulders

Here’s where it gets real. Backpacks? Absolutely not, unless they are clear or smaller than a shoebox. That’s right—your beloved hiking backpack that holds four water bottles, a sandwich, and a portable fan is a security risk. It’s like bringing a couch to a picnic; totally unnecessary and a bit suspicious.

The first time I went, I brought a “small” backpack that felt like a cat carrier. The volunteer at the gate just laughed and said, “Honey, that’s not a bag, that’s an apartment.” I had to fold it awkwardly and shove it in a plastic grocery bag they gave me, looking like a complete doofus. The takeaway? Keep it simple. A clear stadium bag from Amazon costs like $10 and saves you from the walk of shame.

What About the Stroller Mafia?

If you’re a parent, you’re in a whole different league. The bag policy applies to your stroller too. That diaper bag that looks like a duffel for a military operation? Needs to be clear or tiny. I watched a dad try to convince a security guard that his diaper bag was just a “large fanny pack.” The guard was not convinced. They checked every pocket like they were looking for contraband snacks.

Waste Management Open Bag Policy at Brooke Bermingham blog

My friend brought her toddler last year and spent the first hour just trying to fit a sippy cup, a change of clothes, and a pacifier into a single clear pouch. It was like playing Tetris with baby gear. But hey, it meant less junk to carry, and she got to enjoy the golf without a hernia. So, kudos to the parents who plan ahead. You are the unsung heroes of the clear-bag revolution.

Where Does the Comedy Come In?

The real joke is that everyone brings so much stuff anyway. You’ll see people with clear bags that look like they’re going to a science fair: full of sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and a sandwich wrapped in foil. It’s like they’re preparing for a three-day hike, not a few hours of watching dudes hit a little white ball.

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And don’t even get me started on the VIPs. They have special gates, but even they have to abide by the bag rule. I saw a guy in a fancy hat trying to get in with a leather satchel that could have held a laptop. They sent him back faster than a shanked drive. No exceptions. It’s the great equalizer of the tournament: your credit score doesn’t matter—your bag does.

The Happy Ending

Honestly, the strict bag policy is a blessing in disguise. It means you can’t bring the kitchen sink, which forces you to actually enjoy the event. You’re not lugging around a bunch of junk. Your shoulders are free for dancing to the music, clapping for a good putt, or holding a really, really overpriced beer.

So, for the 2023 Waste Management Open, remember this: clear is your friend, clutches are for vampires, and backpacks are for hiking. Pack like you’re going to a friendly family reunion, not a survival challenge. You’ll laugh, you’ll see someone else fail, and you’ll walk in with a grin because you finally remembered the rules. It’s just golf, after all—with a side of airport security.