Joaquín Niemann penalized for throwing club at U.S. Open
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Joaquín Niemann incurred a two-stroke penalty and had his quintuple-bogey 9 on the 15th hole at the U.S. Open adjusted to an 11 after throwing a club in frustration.
- The incident occurred after Niemann's approach shot fell short, and he reacted by kicking a flag and throwing his club about 50 yards, actions deemed "serious misconduct" by the USGA.
- Niemann's behavior violated Rule 1.2b of the Rules of Golf, which emphasizes integrity, consideration for others, and care for the course, leading to the penalty under the USGA's code-of-conduct policy.
- The 27-year-old LIV Golf League captain finished the first round with an 8-over 78 and was playing the second round when the penalty was announced.
- Niemann, ranked 80th globally, is the first player to be disciplined under the USGA's code-of-conduct policy in a major tournament this season.
