Jon Rahm Faces Open Disqualification Warning After Temper Tantrum at Royal Birkdale Jon Rahm’s fiery temper nearly cost him a spot in the weekend action at The Open after he was issued an official warning for breaching a new players’ code of conduct during the second round at Royal Birkdale. The two-time major champion lost his composure following a loose tee shot on the 15th hole, which left him stranded left of the green. In frustration, Rahm tossed his club into the air before trudging off the course with a bogey. The incident sparked immediate debate among spectators and officials about whether his outburst warranted disciplinary action under Rule 1.2b of the rules. The R&A’s new code of conduct, introduced for the 2026 majors, aims to enforce stricter behavior standards for players. Rahm’s club-tossing moment marked the latest in a series of incidents involving top golfers this year. Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, a LIV Golf star, had previously been docked strokes for a similar outburst during the U.S. Open. Niemann’s frustration over a disastrous septuple-bogey nine at Shinnecock Hills led to a score change from a 12 to an 11, though he avoided penalties for his actions. Other notable incidents included Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, who flashed a middle finger at the 15th green during the Masters, and Sergio Garcia, who slammed his driver into the turf before snapping it on a water cooler. Despite their outbursts, both players escaped penalties, highlighting the inconsistent enforcement of the code. As Rahm completed his second round, an R&A official confirmed he had received a formal warning for his behavior. The governing body warned that a repeat incident could result in a two-shot penalty, with a third offense potentially leading to disqualification.#jon_rahm #joaquin_niemann #the_open #royal_birkdale #r_a
Bryson DeChambeau Remains In LIV Golf Singapore Contention Despite Huge Wedge Change Bryson DeChambeau continues to make significant adjustments to his equipment as he competes in the LIV Golf Singapore event, with a notable switch to Bettinardi wedges marking his latest move. The two-time U.S. Open champion, who trails co-leaders Joaquin Niemann and Lee Westwood by one shot heading into the final round, has opted for the Bettinardi HLX 5.0 Forged wedges, a decision reported by Matt Vincenzi, a senior reporter for LIV Golf. The change involves specific modifications to the wedge degrees, with the 50-degree model bent one degree less and the 56-degree wedge bent two degrees less. This adjustment aims to enhance spin control, a critical factor in softer conditions, which DeChambeau has struggled with during recent tournaments. Speaking after his opening round in Singapore, DeChambeau expressed confidence in the new setup, noting that the wedges felt “great” during practice and provided better performance through the turf from the fairway. He emphasized his trust in the new bounce configuration, hoping it would offer an advantage in challenging weather conditions. DeChambeau’s equipment changes are not uncommon, as he frequently experiments with gear to optimize his game. This latest shift comes amid his efforts to rebound from a disappointing finish at Augusta National, where he finished tied for fifth in 2025. The decision to switch to Bettinardi wedges also reflects his ongoing collaboration with the brand, which is best known for its putters but has expanded into wedge designs. The HLX 5.0 model, praised for its high-end production and versatility, features two grind options and pronounced cut grooves to maximize spin performance across varying conditions. Golf Monthly’s Sam De’Ath highlighted the HLX 5.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #bettinardi #joaquin_niemann #lee_westwood
