Jon Rahm warned at Open after iron toss on No. 15
The R&A issued Jon Rahm a conduct warning at the Open Championship after he threw a club following a poor tee shot in Friday’s second round.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Jon Rahm’s Friday at the Open Championship came with a 67, a spot within striking distance and a visit from an R&A official after a flying iron on the 15th hole.
The R&A issued Rahm an official code-of-conduct warning at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, after he threw his club following a poor tee shot on the par-3 15th, according to the Associated Press. The club went forward and bounced several times after Rahm missed left of the green.
Rahm still finished the second round at 3-under 67. The ESPN leaderboard listed him at 4 under for the tournament, four shots behind leader Lucas Herbert after play was complete Friday.
The R&A said the warning was made under “The Open serious misconduct policy,” according to the AP. The report said the policy usually covers the full tournament, so a further breach would bring a two-shot penalty, while a third violation would mean disqualification.
Rahm said he knew what was coming when he saw an R&A official approach him on the 17th hole.
“When he was walking up to me, I knew exactly what it was for,” Rahm said, according to the AP.
Majors tighten conduct calls
The incident was the third conduct ruling at a men’s major this year, according to the AP, as golf’s major championships work from a shared approach while leaving each organization to decide what crosses the line.
At the U.S. Open, the USGA skipped a warning and assessed Joaquín Niemann a two-shot penalty in the first round, the AP reported. Niemann threw a wedge on the sixth hole, which was his 15th of the round, and the club traveled about 70 yards, according to the report.
The AP reported that few spectators were around for Niemann’s incident and that no public video captured it, though officials would have had access to ShotLink camera footage.
Rahm was also present for another major warning earlier this year. During the final round of the Masters, he was paired with Sergio García when García hit a poor tee shot on the second hole and struck his driver into the turf and into a bench holding a water cooler, according to the AP. García received an official warning.
Rahm says intensity is part of his game
Rahm addressed his temperament both before the Open and after Friday’s round, saying he does not plan to strip away the competitive edge he brings to 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,” Rahm said, according to the AP.
He added that changing too much could hurt his play, while also acknowledging Friday’s club toss was out of bounds for him.
“But certainly shouldn't have moments like the one on 15. I get it,” Rahm said.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.