BackSPORTS
Players guilty of misconduct face two-shot penalty
The R&A indicated that on-course misconduct could carry a two-shot penalty at The Open in July, as part of a new code of conduct being introduced across majors. The move follows recent high-profile incidents involving Sergio Garcia and Bob MacIntyre at the Masters, and is set against broader discussions about discipline and etiquette in golf, including a 2019 incident. The article also notes plans to limit ball distance with potential implementation dates in 2028 or 2030.
Why It Matters
If enacted, the penalty could affect major leaderboards by penalizing temper and etiquette breaches, signaling a new governance approach for top-level golf.
Timeline
6 Events
Rules to limit ball distance planned for 2028 (possible 2030 delay)
April 27, 2026
The R&A and USGA plan to introduce regulations restricting how far golf balls can travel; the change is set for 2028 but could be delayed to 2030, with discussions about a single date for 2030.
Majors adopt a new code of conduct; tours to follow
April 27, 2026
The four major championships have agreed to implement a new code of conduct, with leading tours expected to follow suit.
Two-shot penalty potential for on-course misconduct at The Open
April 27, 2026
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said players guilty of on-course misconduct could receive a two-shot penalty at The Open in July, as part of a broader push for a new code of conduct across the majors.
Bob MacIntyre warned by Augusta officials for on-course misconduct
April 2026
MacIntyre was warned by Augusta officials after microphones caught him swearing and gesturing angrily during a ruinous first-round 80 at the year's opening major.
Sergio Garcia reprimanded at Masters for damaging a tee box
March 2026
Garcia was reprimanded at the Masters after damaging a tee box with his club following an angry reaction to an errant tee shot on the second hole of his final round.
Sergio Garcia 2019 DP World Tour incident
2019
The article references Garcia's disqualification for furiously damaging a green in a DP World Tour event in Saudi Arabia in 2019.