Chile’s Joaquín Niemann, the LIV Golf League captain, found himself in the spotlight after a late‑night incident at Shinnecock Hills. While chasing a par‑4 sixth, his approach fell short, prompting a frustrated outburst. The golfer threw a club across the fairway, a move that would later draw the USGA’s ire.

USGA officials later imposed a two‑stroke penalty after reviewing the footage. The rule cited serious misconduct under Rule 1.2b, allowing committees to enforce penalties from a single stroke to disqualification. The penalty shifted Niemann’s score from a quintuple‑bogey nine to an 11‑stroke over the hole, pushing his round to an 8‑over 78.

At 27, the 80th‑ranked player faced a rare disciplinary moment, becoming the first major competitor penalized under the new code‑of‑conduct policy this season. With the U.S. Open still unfolding, the incident underscores the strict standards governing elite play and signals that even high‑profile golfers must adhere to the sport’s integrity expectations.

Earlier that evening, a volunteer noted Niemann’s frustration after a denied request for relief from fire ants near his ball. The golfer’s reaction—kicking a flag in thick grass and launching a club beyond 50 yards—prompted the USGA’s swift action. The incident has sparked debate over player conduct and the balance between competitive pressure and sportsmanship.