The Open 2015: Snap happy fans left disappointed as selfie sticks are banned from St Andrews

The reason why you won't see any irritating selfie stick photos being taken at The Open

Selfie sticks have been banned from The Open (Getty Images)

There may be some frustrating scenes for the world’s best golfers at The Open this weekend, but one hellish device that they won't have to put up with s the dreaded selfie stick.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club announced a ban on all spectators from bringing selfie sticks to St Andrews shortly before the tournament started, joining the LTA after they took the decision to rid Wimbledon of the needless accessory.

While the likes of Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Danny Willett (more on him here) have been finding the fairways with ease, a number of their colleagues will find themselves in and among the fans having veered off course.

As if being in the rough isn’t bad enough, imagine the frustration of having a mobile phone on an extendable stick shoved into your face. Cue expletive-laden rant.

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But the R&A took the early decision to announce a blanket ban on any selfie sticks, and spectators would be refused entry if they attempted to bring them to the Home of Golf.

“We want to ensure spectators at the Open enjoy a fantastic experience when they attend the championship and can do so safely,” said a spokesman for the R&A. “With that in mind, we are asking people not to bring selfie sticks, as they will not be allowed on to the course with them.”

Now that’s something to smile about.