Joaquin Niemann Throws Club at US Open, Becomes 1st Golfer in History Penalized for 'Abuse of Clubs'

Joaquin Niemann made history in the first round of the U.S. Open, though probably not for reasons he would prefer.

Per Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press and Gabby Herzig of The Athletic, Niemann was assessed a two-stroke penalty by the USGA on Friday as he was preparing to start his second round for throwing a club on the sixth hole in the first round.

The penalty came in the wake of of increased enforcement of code of conduct rules. Niemann specifically violated Rule 1.2b that includes "abuse of clubs" among other issues.

Ferguson noted that while there is a general policy at the major tournaments to start with a warning for a violation, Niemann was assessed a two-stroke penalty due to the "serious nature of his outburst."

U.S. Open volunteer Tristan Chang, who witnessed the incident, explained to Herzig that Niemann grew frustrated after hitting two balls out of bounds.

Herzig noted no video of the incident has been released, nor did the USGA offer any specific details.

The two-stroke penalty meant that Niemann carded an 11 on the par-four sixth hole. He finished the first round at eight-over par with a 78.

Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America's chief competitions officer, spoke about the new code of conduct policy prior to the PGA Championship last month. The change was made in collaboration with the four major tournaments, PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Haigh explained the change was made to ensure "everyone is behaving appropriately, professionally, and as we would want our children and people watching to see the major championship."

The first test of the policy came during the final round of the Masters when Sergio Garcia broke his driver during an outburst on the second hole. He was only issued a warning.

Ferguson noted the typical discipline will start with a warning, then a two-stroke penalty for a second violation and disqualification for a third violation.

Niemann, who started the first round on the back nine, was at even par prior to his disastrous turn on the sixth hole. He did rebound at the start of the second round with birdies on five of his first six holes.