Jon Rahm Receives Conduct Warning at the 2026 Open Championship

During round two of the Open Championship on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Royal Birkdale, Jon Rahm’s six-iron missed the green on the par-3 15th and he tossed the club onto the tee. An R&A official met his group on the 17th tee and issued an official code-of-conduct warning—the first of three possible sanctions (warning, two-stroke penalty, disqualification). Rahm finished the round with a 3-under 67, moving to 4-under for the tournament, four shots behind leader Lucas Herbert.

USA Today

Earlier in 2026 the governing bodies of the four majors adopted a unified code-of-conduct policy. The R&A’s rules allow the chief referee, in consultation with the championship director, to issue a warning, a two-stroke penalty, or disqualification based on the frequency, impact, intent and severity of the misconduct. The policy has already been applied at the Masters (Sergio García received a warning) and the U.S. Open (Joaquín Niemann received a two-stroke penalty for a similar club throw).

Jon Rahm receives code-of-conduct warning after throwing club in Round 2 of The Open

Rahm said he understood the official’s approach and expressed support for the policy if it is enforced consistently, noting it would not alter his style of play. The R&A confirmed the warning was issued under its “serious misconduct” policy and warned that further violations could trigger harsher penalties.

Jon Rahm receives code-of-conduct warning after throwing club in Round 2 of The Open

Observers have pointed out uneven enforcement: Rahm’s outburst resulted in a warning, while Niemann’s comparable incident at the U.S. Open led to a two-stroke penalty. Critics argue that such disparity undermines the policy’s credibility.

Jon Rahm receives code-of-conduct warning after throwing club in Round 2 of The Open

• “When he was walking up to me, I knew exactly what it was for,” — Jon Rahm

ESPN

• “I don't always love the word 'emotional.' I'm definitely more intense and passionate than a lot of the players out here, especially at work,” — Jon Rahm

ESPN

• “They have a code of conduct and they enforce it. Why not? It’s not going to change how I play. To go from zero to a penalty? I don’t know.” — Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm receives code-of-conduct warning after throwing club in Round 2 of The Open

• “he had an official code of conduct warning for actions with the club throw on the 15th hole.” — Smylie Kaufman, on-course reporter

USA Today