Niemann First Penalized Under New Major Conduct Code
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- Joaquin Niemann received a two-shot penalty under rule 1.2b for "serious misconduct" after throwing his sand wedge on the sixth hole, becoming the first player penalized under the new code of conduct introduced for 2026 major championships.
- The penalty changed Niemann's score from nine to eleven on the par-four sixth hole, where he had hit two tee shots out of bounds, gotten an awkward lie with ants nearby, and let his frustration boil over as darkness halted play.
- Niemann rebounded with a five-under 65 in the second round to reach three over par overall, sitting just inside the projected cut line after signing for a first-round 78.
- The new code has already been a "major talking point" this season, with Robert MacIntyre and Sergio Garcia both reprimanded for their behavior at The Masters in April.
- Niemann said he is "not proud" of the incident but ultimately agreed with the committee's decision after initially trying to argue back, adding that he "wouldn't be happy seeing players throwing clubs and behaving that way."
Why it matters: Niemann's penalty sets the first precedent under a 2026 code of conduct that had been a "major talking point" since MacIntyre and Garcia were reprimanded at The Masters, giving officials and players a concrete reference point for how seriously the new rule will be enforced — especially given that Niemann himself publicly endorsed the committee's call.
