Golf Conduct Crackdown

How the Warning Was Issued and What It Means

Rahm's club throw on the 15th hole triggered review under the Open's serious misconduct policy. Under Rule 1.2b, behavior deemed far removed from the spirit of the game can result in a warning, a two-stroke penalty, or disqualification. Officials did not penalize him on the spot — but the warning stays on his record for the rest of the tournament, AJC reported.

The Chief Referee must consult the Championship Director before issuing any further penalty. Factors considered include frequency, severity, intent, and impact. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said there is a clear decision-making process, with "rehearsed scenarios" ready if conduct issues arise, according to TSN.

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Rahm's Incident Is the Third Conduct Ruling at a 2025 Major

The warning puts Rahm alongside two other players penalized for conduct at major events this year. Sergio Garcia received a warning at the Masters. Joaquin Niemann went further — he was docked two strokes at the U.S. Open for throwing his club, a penalty that cost him money in the final standings, according to Riverbender.

Both Garcia and Niemann are LIV Golf members, as is Rahm. That detail has drawn attention, though the majors enforce their conduct rules across all tours. The pattern shows the majors are getting more serious about player behavior, AJC noted.

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Niemann's Two-Stroke Penalty Sets the Benchmark

Niemann's penalty at the U.S. Open is the clearest example of what Rahm now risks. Niemann threw his club, officials ruled it serious misconduct, and he lost two strokes. That drop affected both his score and his prize money. Rahm's club throw was similar in nature — but officials stopped short of a stroke penalty this time, according to Head Topics.

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Majors Are Watching Closely as Conduct Rules Evolve

The R&A's handling of Rahm's case is being watched as a test of how consistently the majors apply their new standards. If Rahm throws another club — or loses his temper again — officials have the power to act immediately and harshly. Analysts say the policy's visibility is its point: players now know there are real consequences, ESPN reported.

Darbon's promise of rehearsed protocols signals the R&A is not improvising. The goal is consistent enforcement across all majors, regardless of which tour a player comes from. With Rahm still in contention four shots back, the weekend rounds will test both his game and his composure.

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