Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Tom Dierberger

No, Joaquin Niemann’s Two-Stroke Tantrum Penalty Is Not the USGA Picking on LIV Golf. Here’s Why.

Joaquin Niemann made headlines all day Friday, and it certainly wasn’t for the brilliant five-under 65 he posted during the second round at the 2026 U.S. Open.

Niemann became the first player to be hit with a two-stroke penalty at a major for throwing a tantrum and violating the new player conduct policies that were implemented this year. More specifically, he threw a club.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.