Niemann first to get two-shot penalty for throwing club

Joaquin Niemann received a two-shot penalty on March 15, 2026, becoming the first golfer to be penalised under the new code of conduct for major championships. The incident occurred during the first round of the Masters, where Niemann threw his club after a poor shot on the 5th hole. The new code, implemented this year, aims to curb unsportsmanlike conduct and maintain the integrity of the game. Niemann stated he was "not proud" of the infraction, acknowledging the seriousness of the rule. The penalty resulted in his score for the hole increasing by two strokes, impacting his standing in the tournament. This event marks a significant moment in the enforcement of professional golf's updated regulations, highlighting the stricter approach to player behaviour.