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Joaquin Niemann was hit with a two-stroke penalty during the first round of the U.S. Open after allegedly throwing his golf club “at least 50 yards” during a disastrous performance on the No. 6 hole where he eventually carded a septuple bogey.
Tristan Chang, a U.S. Open volunteer who witnessed the exchange, told The Athletic that Niemann asked for a relief ruling related to fire ants near his ball. When that was denied, he kicked the flag that had been marking the ball, kicked the grass and chucked his club at least 50 yards.
“It was a pretty impressive throw, actually,” Chang said, via The Athletic.
More golf: Golfer Parts Ways With Caddie Days Before U.S. Open
Joaquín Niemann of Chile plays a shot from the second tee during the second round of the 126th U.S. OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 19, 2026 in Southampton, New York.
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Niemann’s actions come just a few months after the four major championships agreed to a new code of conduct policy for 2026.
According to the USGA, it defines serious misconduct as follows: “If a player’s (or their caddie’s) behavior is so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf, in accordance with Rule 1.2b, the Chief Referee, in consultation with the Championship Director, may apply a penalty of two strokes or disqualification, taking account of the frequency, impact, intent and severity of the misconduct.”
Niemann’s behavior on the course allegedly rose to the level of punishment being necessary. No video of the incident has found its way to social media just yet.
Meanwhile, the LIV Golf star is attempting to fight his way back after an opening-round 78 put him well outside the cut line. Through his first nine holes of the second round, he’s carded five birdies and sits at four-under on the day and four-over for the tournament, which puts him just one shot outside the current cut, which could move to four-over as the day wears on.
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Tristan Chang, a U.S. Open volunteer who witnessed the exchange, told The Athletic that Niemann asked for a relief ruling related to fire ants near his ball. When that was denied, he kicked the flag that had been marking the ball, kicked the grass and chucked his club at least 50 yards.
“It was a pretty impressive throw, actually,” Chang said, via The Athletic.
More golf: Golfer Parts Ways With Caddie Days Before U.S. Open
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Joaquín Niemann of Chile plays a shot from the second tee during the second round of the 126th U.S. OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 19, 2026 in Southampton, New York.
More soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo Facing Criticism for What He Did During Portugal Game
Niemann’s actions come just a few months after the four major championships agreed to a new code of conduct policy for 2026.
According to the USGA, it defines serious misconduct as follows: “If a player’s (or their caddie’s) behavior is so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf, in accordance with Rule 1.2b, the Chief Referee, in consultation with the Championship Director, may apply a penalty of two strokes or disqualification, taking account of the frequency, impact, intent and severity of the misconduct.”
Niemann’s behavior on the course allegedly rose to the level of punishment being necessary. No video of the incident has found its way to social media just yet.
Meanwhile, the LIV Golf star is attempting to fight his way back after an opening-round 78 put him well outside the cut line. Through his first nine holes of the second round, he’s carded five birdies and sits at four-under on the day and four-over for the tournament, which puts him just one shot outside the current cut, which could move to four-over as the day wears on.
Soccer news: Potential Christian Pulisic Replacement Responds to Injury Concerns
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