LIV Golf star Joaquin Niemann has been handed a two-shot penalty after tournament officials ruled that his actions during a frustrating opening round at the U.S. Open amounted to serious misconduct.
The Chilean golfer endured a nightmare day at Shinnecock Hills, where a disastrous stretch on the par-4 sixth hole ultimately led to disciplinary action from the USGA.
Niemann initially signed for an eight-over-par 78, but his score was later adjusted to 80 after officials assessed a two-shot penalty under Rule 1.2b, which covers player conduct and standards of behavior.
The costly penalty came after an angry outburst on the sixth hole, where Niemann’s round unraveled.
According to reports, the 27-year-old hit two drives out of bounds before attempting unsuccessfully to obtain relief from fire ants. His next drive found knee-high fescue, adding to his growing frustration.
A volunteer who witnessed the incident told reporters that Niemann became visibly upset, kicking a white flag used to mark his ball before throwing an iron approximately 50 yards across the course. A police officer reportedly retrieved the club and returned it to the player.
The PGA Tour’s official website later reported that Niemann also tossed his club after a poor approach shot on the hole.
What was already a disastrous hole became even worse. Niemann carded a septuple-bogey and saw his score on the sixth eventually recorded as an 11 following the penalty.
The incident comes amid the introduction of a stricter player conduct policy agreed upon by golf’s major championships.
Under the new code of conduct, players can receive escalating punishments for unsportsmanlike behavior. A first offense results in a warning, a second offense carries a two-shot penalty, and a third violation can lead to disqualification.
Rule 1.2b requires players to act with integrity, show consideration for others and respect the golf course. Actions that can trigger penalties include throwing clubs, damaging the course, making abusive gestures or engaging in conduct considered harmful to the spirit of the game.
Niemann did not publicly address the incident following his round.
The penalty leaves the LIV Golf standout facing an uphill battle to make the cut at Shinnecock Hills. Despite opening his second round with back-to-back birdies, he remained well outside the projected cut line.
The controversy is the latest example of golf’s governing bodies taking a firmer stance on player behavior.
Earlier this season, Sergio Garcia was reprimanded at the Masters after damaging a tee box and later snapping a club in frustration. Meanwhile, Robert MacIntyre drew criticism for an inappropriate gesture during a difficult opening round at Augusta National.
Golf officials have repeatedly emphasized that while passion is welcome, there is a clear line between emotion and misconduct.
For Niemann, that line appears to have been crossed during one of the most frustrating holes of his professional career, turning an already difficult U.S. Open start into a costly disciplinary setback.