Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann has faced a considerable setback during the 2026 U.S. Open, receiving a two-stroke penalty due to what was deemed “serious misconduct” at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. His discipline stems from an emotional outburst where he threw his golf club after an unsatisfactory shot during his opening round on June 19.
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The incident occurred when Niemann’s approach shot fell short of the green, leading to frustration. According to a volunteer at the U.S. Open, the 27-year-old sought relief from fire ants that were near his ball, but upon being denied, he reacted by throwing his club approximately 50 yards. This breach of etiquette and decorum prompted the U.S. Golf Association (USGA) to scrutinise his actions closely.
The USGA indicated that Niemann’s conduct violated Rule 1.2b of the Rules of Golf. This regulation expects players to engage in the sport with integrity, exhibit consideration for fellow competitors, and respect the course. In the words of the rule, “Serious misconduct is player behaviour that is so far removed from what is expected in golf that the most severe sanction of removing a player from the competition is justified.” While this could have resulted in disqualification, the U.S. Open committee instead opted for the less drastic penalty of adding two strokes to his score for that hole.
This decision only compounded Niemann’s difficulties at the sixth hole, leading to a disastrous quintuple bogey 9, which escalated to a septuple bogey 11 after the penalty was applied. Indeed, Niemann had already hit two balls out of bounds before the incident, underscoring a challenging day for the golfer.
Ranked 80th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Niemann’s performance at the U.S. Open began on a rough note, finishing his first round with an 8-over-par score of 78. Reports from the tournament indicated that as players often face mental and emotional challenges, Niemann’s earlier frustrations contributed significantly to his subsequent outburst on the course.
While incidents of this nature are not infrequent in professional golf, governing bodies have become increasingly vigilant regarding conduct on the green. An example of a similar situation occurred earlier this year at the Masters, where Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia received a warning for striking his club into the ground in frustration during the final round.
Despite the difficulties faced during his first round, Niemann demonstrated resilience, starting his second day of play strong with a 5-under-par 65. The U.S. Open, one of golf’s four major championships, is set to conclude on June 21.
Overall, this latest incident highlights the importance of maintaining composure and sportsmanship in the realm of professional golf. As the USGA emphasizes, upholding the integrity of the game is paramount, and players are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the sport’s traditions and values. With the tournament still ongoing, Niemann has an opportunity to recover and display his skills in the coming rounds.