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

The R&A’s code-of-conduct policy was tested Friday at Royal Birkdale, where Jon Rahm tomahawked his iron after a poor tee shot at the par-3 15th.

The organization had three options: issue a warning, hand out a two-shot penalty, declare a disqualification. It opted for the lesser. Rahm was told on the 17th tee by an official that he received a warning.

“When he was walking up to me. I knew exactly what it was for,” Rahm told reporters after his round.

Rahm bogeyed the 15th to drop to 2 under par but rebounded with birdies at Nos. 16 and 17. He had 5 feet to close with three straight birdies but missed wide left. Rahm shot 3-under 67 to enter the weekend at 4 under, four behind leader Lucas Herbert.

“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,” Rahm said. “It’s not like I’m going to ... if I try to alter who I am too much, it might cost me a little bit on the course. But certainly shouldn’t have moments like the one on 15. I get it.”

Code of Conduct

Earlier this year, the governing bodies of all four majors announced a code-of-conduct policy to hold players to a higher standard of behavior during competition. The policy, however, has been criticized for its inconsistent application.

Sergio Garcia was given a warning at this year’s Masters after being caught on camera in the final round twice slamming his driver into a tee box and then breaking the club after smashing it against a cooler.

Joaquin Niemann wasn’t on camera when he threw his club amid a reported tantrum late in Round 1 of the U.S. Open. The outburst was deemed a “serious misconduct” by the USGA and he was given a two-stroke penalty.

The R&A’s conduct policy states: “If a player’s (or their caddie’s) behavior is so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf, in accordance with Rule 1.2b, the Chief Referee, in consultation with the Chief Championships Officer, may issue an official warning or apply a penalty of two strokes or disqualification, taking account of the frequency, impact or potential impact, intent and severity of the misconduct. An official warning does not need to be given prior to applying a penalty of two strokes or disqualification.”