Jon Rahm has been given a code-of-conduct warning at the British Open for throwing his club after a poor tee shot on the par-3 15th hole.
The incident occurred during Rahm's second round, where he shot 3-under 67 and finished four shots out of the lead. After hitting his tee shot left of the green, Rahm flung his iron forward, which bounced a few times. The R&A issued the warning under The Open serious misconduct policy.
This is the third conduct ruling in the majors this year, with each organization in charge of determining what constitutes a serious offense. The policy is typically in effect for the entire tournament, meaning that if Rahm commits another incident, he will receive a two-shot penalty. A third violation would result in disqualification.
Rahm said he didn't think about his outburst until he saw an R&A official on the 17th hole. "When he was walking up to me, I knew exactly what it was for," he said.
This incident is not an isolated one, as the majors have been cracking down on conduct this year. At the U.S. Open, Joaquin Niemann received a two-shot penalty for throwing his wedge 70 yards after a poor shot. At the Masters, Sergio Garcia was issued an official warning for smashing his driver into the turf and against a bench.
Rahm has been open about his intense and passionate nature on the course. "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," he said before the tournament. He reiterated this statement after his round, saying, "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."
Rahm's warning serves as a reminder that the majors are taking conduct seriously this year. As the tournament progresses, Rahm will need to be mindful of his behavior to avoid further penalties.
Source: Yahoo Sports
