The R&A has announced that players guilty of on-course misconduct at The Open in July could face a two-shot penalty, marking a significant shift in golf’s disciplinary measures. The decision follows incidents at this year’s Masters, where Sergio Garcia damaged a tee box and Bob MacIntyre was warned for swearing and angry gestures.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon told BBC Sport that the new code of conduct, agreed upon by the four major tournaments, gives referees the power to impose shot penalties for serious breaches of etiquette. “You want passion from players, but there’s a fine line,” Darbon said. “We will watch that line very closely.”
While disqualification has long been an option for severe misconduct, this is the first time a fit of temper could directly affect a leaderboard at a major. Darbon confirmed that details of the policy will be clarified before the championship at Royal Birkdale.
In addition, the R&A is pushing forward with plans to limit golf ball distance for all players, a change supported by Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley to preserve the game’s integrity amidst increasing drive distances.