Joaquin Niemann receives a two-stroke penalty after a club-throwing incident during the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Multiple outlets report that the USGA deems the behavior “serious misconduct” under the Rules of Golf, specifically citing Rule 1.2b as the basis for the penalty. Niemann throws his club on the sixth hole and is assessed the two-shot loss under the new major championship code of conduct, a first for a U.S. Open competitor under that framework, according to reports. Niemann later says he is not proud of the “serious misconduct” but argues the penalty may be excessive, with one report noting he believes he is “extra-penalized.” Another outlet adds that he follows up the incident by playing well in the second round, posting a 5-under 65 to make the cut. Coverage also describes Niemann’s reaction to the ruling, including what he says USGA rule officials told him after the penalty. The penalty affects his standing for the tournament, though he finishes the week after rebounding from the opening-round setback.
USGA penalizes Joaquin Niemann two strokes for club-throwing at U.S. Open
Joaquin Niemann receives a two-stroke penalty after a club-throwing incident during the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Multiple outlets report that the USGA deems the behavior...
- Joaquin Niemann is penalized two strokes for throwing his club during the U.S. Open first round at Shinnecock Hills.
- The USGA classifies the incident as “serious misconduct” under Rule 1.2b.
- The incident occurs on the sixth hole during Thursday’s opening-round play.
- Niemann responds by posting a 5-under 65 in the second round to make the cut.
- Niemann says he is not proud of the conduct and disputes the severity of the penalty, calling it excessive or “extra-penalized.”
Joaquin Niemann finished the 2026 US Open in fine form after his shocking opening round put him behind the eight-ball. Niemann posted an opening-round 78 at Shinnecock Hills.
2 months agoJoaquin Niemann enjoyed a superb ending to his roller-coaster week at the US Open, having been involved in controversy earlier in the tournament. Niemann fell victim to the new code of conduct introduced for major championships, when he threw his club in frustration during the opening round.
2 months agoJoaquin Niemann made unwanted history at the US Open after being the first golfer penalized under the new major championship code of conduct. Niemann was assessed a two-stroke penalty for throwing his club on the sixth hole during his first round of the tournament at Shinnecock Hills.
2 months agoLIV Golfer Joaquin Niemann felt he was "extra-penalized" for a club throwing incident in the first round of the U.S. Open, but makes the cut.
2 months agoNiemann, who was penalized two strokes for throwing his club during Thursday's first round, followed the incident with a second-round, 5-under 65 to make the U.S. Open cut.
2 months agoThe U.S. Golf Association determined Niemann's "serious misconduct" was in violation of Rule 1.2b of the Rules of Golf
2 months ago
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