Every July, thousands of golf fans descend on The Open Championship to watch the world’s best players compete on some of the UK’s most iconic links courses, Royal Birkdale this year. Whether you’re attending for one day or following the action throughout the tournament, one thing many spectators underestimate is just how much walking is involved.
A day at The Open can easily mean walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps over uneven terrain, grassy fairways, sandy paths and rolling dunes. Without the right footwear, what starts as an enjoyable day of golf can end with aching feet, blisters or even more persistent foot pain.
At South Dublin Podiatry, we often see patients who experience foot discomfort after long days on their feet. Here are our top tips for enjoying The Open in comfort.
Why Walking a Golf Course Can Be Tough on Your Feet
Unlike walking on pavements or flat paths, golf courses present constantly changing terrain. Spectators often spend hours walking across slopes, uneven ground and soft grass while carrying bags, waterproofs or folding chairs.
This combination places extra strain on your:
- Heel and arch
- Ankles
- Calf muscles
- Achilles tendon
- Forefoot
For anyone with existing foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunions or flat feet, a full day on the course can aggravate symptoms.
Common Foot Problems We See After Long Days Walking
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints after prolonged walking.
Walking for several hours without adequate arch support can place excessive strain on the plantar fascia, resulting in pain that’s often worst first thing the next morning.
Blisters
Warm weather, long distances and poorly fitting shoes create the perfect conditions for blisters.
Although they may seem minor, blisters can quickly become painful and make walking difficult.
Aching Arches
Your arches absorb shock every time your foot strikes the ground. Spending an entire day walking over uneven surfaces can fatigue these structures, particularly if your footwear lacks proper support.
Forefoot Pain
Pressure beneath the ball of the foot often develops after several hours of walking, especially in shoes with thin soles or insufficient cushioning.
Ankle Fatigue
Links golf courses feature natural undulations and uneven terrain that require your ankles to work harder to maintain balance, increasing muscle fatigue as the day progresses.
Choosing the Right Golf Shoes
Whether you’re attending The Open as a spectator or playing a round at your local course, choosing the right golf shoes can make a significant difference to your comfort.
Prioritise Comfort Over Style
Golf shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you try them on. Avoid buying shoes that you hope will “wear in” over time.
Your toes should have enough room to move without feeling cramped, while your heel should remain secure during walking.
Look for Good Cushioning
If you’re walking 18 holes or spending an entire day following players around the course, cushioning helps reduce the impact on your feet and lower limbs.
Modern golf shoes often include lightweight midsoles that provide excellent shock absorption without sacrificing stability.
Choose Proper Arch Support
Every foot is different.
People with flat feet may benefit from more supportive footwear, while those with higher arches often require additional cushioning.
If you’ve experienced recurring foot pain, a podiatrist can assess whether custom orthotics could improve your comfort both on and off the golf course.
Waterproof Protection Matters
British summer weather is famously unpredictable.
Waterproof golf shoes help keep feet dry, reducing the likelihood of blisters while making long days outdoors far more enjoyable.
Don’t Wear Brand-New Shoes
One of the biggest mistakes people make before attending a major sporting event is wearing brand-new footwear.
Break your shoes in over several shorter walks before spending an entire day on the course.
Tips for Spectators Walking The Open
If you’re planning to attend this year’s championship, a little preparation can help prevent sore feet.
Before you head out:
- Wear moisture-wicking socks.
- Pack blister plasters just in case.
- Stretch your calves before and after walking.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Take opportunities to sit and rest when possible.
- Avoid carrying unnecessarily heavy bags.
- Replace worn-out footwear before the event.
These simple measures can make a noticeable difference by the end of the day.
Golfers Need Good Footwear Too
It’s not only spectators who benefit from supportive golf shoes.
Golfers spend four to five hours walking during a typical round, often covering six to eight miles while repeatedly rotating through the feet during every swing.
Poor footwear can contribute to:
- Heel pain
- Arch pain
- Achilles tendon problems
- Knee discomfort
- Lower back pain
Supportive golf shoes help improve stability throughout the swing while reducing fatigue over 18 holes.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Some foot soreness after a particularly active day is normal, but ongoing pain shouldn’t be ignored.
Book an assessment if you experience:
- Heel pain lasting more than a few days
- Pain in the arch or ball of the foot
- Persistent blisters or skin problems
- Pain when walking after a round of golf
- Swelling around the ankle or Achilles tendon
- Foot pain that repeatedly returns after playing or spectating
Early treatment often prevents minor issues from becoming long-term problems.
Enjoy The Open Without Foot Pain
The Open Championship is one of the highlights of the sporting calendar, bringing together world-class golf and thousands of enthusiastic spectators.
Whether you’re following your favourite players around the course or enjoying a weekend round at your local club, looking after your feet allows you to focus on the golf rather than the discomfort.
If you’re struggling with foot pain, heel pain or recurring injuries that affect your walking or golf game, our experienced podiatrists can assess your feet, identify the underlying cause and recommend personalised treatment to help keep you active and pain-free.