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Niemann Ties Seventh, Gets Penalty for Sand-Wedge Toss

6/22/2026

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Summary

Niemann Penalized USGA

Joaquín Niemann tied for seventh at the 2026 U.S. Open with a 4-under 66, earning a 2027 U.S. Open invite.
He opened with a 78 that included an 11 on the par-4 sixth hole after two out-of-bounds shots, then received a two-stroke penalty for throwing his sand wedge at the flag, the first under the new Code of Conduct.
He said the USGA was making an example of him.

Summary

Clark Wins

Bryson Clark captured the U.S. Open and earned a $4.5 million winner’s share from the $22.5 million purse.
He became the ninth wire-to-wire champion, the first since Martin Kaymer in 2014.
USGA chief Mike Whan said the larger purse makes the Open life-changing and aims to be the premier championship.
After a 2025 suspension, Clark paid restitution, completed anger-management, called the 2026 win redemption, and said police removed hecklers.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. Open, run by the USGA since its 1895 debut, has seen only eight wire-to-wire champions. In June 2014 at Pinehurst No. 2, Germany’s Martin Kaymer led every round, posted a record 130 for the first 36 holes and won by eight strokes, earning $1.8 million. The rarity continued when American Wyndham Clark repeated the wire-to-wire victory in 2026.

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Niemann Penalized USGA

Joaquín Niemann tied for seventh at the 2026 U.S. Open with a 4-under 66, earning a 2027 U.S. Open invite.
He opened with a 78 that included an 11 on the par-4 sixth hole after two out-of-bounds shots, then received a two-stroke penalty for throwing his sand wedge at the flag, the first under the new Code of Conduct.
He said the USGA was making an example of him.

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