Full Breakdown
Joaquin Niemann Penalized for Club Throw at 2026 U.S. Open
6/19/2026, 10:25:48 PM
Incident Overview
Joaquin Niemann, a 27-year-old Chilean LIV Golf player, received a two-stroke penalty in opening round of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. On the par-4 sixth hole—his 15th—two tee shots went out of bounds and a third landed in high native grass. After a fifth-shot approach fell short, Niemann kicked a flag and threw his club 50 yards. USGA classified the act as a breach of conduct under Rule 1.2b, turning a nine into an eleven. He finished at eight-over 78.
New Conduct Policy Across Majors
The penalty marks the first use of a new code-of-conduct system adopted by USGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the majors. The policy follows a three-step ladder: warning, a two-stroke penalty for a second breach, and disqualification for a third. It was used at the Masters, where Sergio García received a warning after damaging his driver. Under the “serious misconduct” clause, officials may penalize behavior deemed “so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game.”
Key Figures
- Joaquin Niemann – Chilean LIV Golf player, 80th in the World Golf Ranking, with a U.S. Open exemption.
- USGA – Governing body applying Rule 1.2b.
- Kerry Haigh – PGA of America chief championships officer.
- Tristan Chang – Volunteer witness.
Statistics
- Sixth-hole 11 (par-4).
- Round 78, eight-over.
- Errors: two out-of-bounds, one in high grass, fifth-shot from 113 yds.
- Distances: 238-yd drive, 112-yd advance.
- Career: eighth LIV win in South Korea, first LIV player penalized.
Official Statements
The USGA said Niemann’s club-throw violated Rule 1.2b, which requires players to act “with integrity, showing consideration to others and taking good care of the course.” The penalty, imposed without a warning, was deemed “egregious.” PGA chief Kerry Haigh called the rule “for the good of the game” to promote professional behavior for spectators and younger players.
On-the-Ground Report
Volunteer Tristan Chang said Niemann asked a USGA official for fire-ant relief. When denied, he kicked the flag marking his ball in high grass and threw his club 50 yards. No video has been released.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on penalty timing. Golfweek notes the two-stroke penalty was listed after Niemann’s sixth shot; other reports say it was assessed the next morning. The USGA has not released video or detailed timing, leaving the exact sequence unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ The USGA didn't specify when Niemann threw his club but the two-stroke penalty is listed as occurring after his sixth shot on the hole.” — Adam Schupak, senior writer, Golfweek
- “It's really for the good of the game that we're implementing it,” — Kerry Haigh, PGA chief championships officer
- “serious misconduct.” — USGA
- “so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf,” — USGA policy
