Jon Rahm risks Open DQ after receiving warning for temper tantrum at Birkdale

Jon Rahm will need to keep his emotions under control over the weekend at The Open after receiving an official warning for breaching a new players' code of conduct introduced for the majors in 2026.

The fiery Spaniard lost his temper during the second round at Royal Birkdale following a loose tee shot on the 15th hole. 

After Rahm missed the green left, the two-time major champion decided to toss his club in anger. 

Rahm eventually trudged off the green with a bogey but the club toss prompted chatter as to whether his brief hissy fit was deserving of an official warning under Rule 1.2b. 

Chile's Joaquin Niemann was the first player to be docked strokes for losing his temper in a major this year after the LIV Golf star also threw a club in frustration during the U.S. Open. 

Niemann grew hot under the collar en route to a disastrous septuple-bogey nine at Shinnecock Hills but his score was later changed to an 11.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre and former European Ryder Cup legend Sergio Garcia also drew the ire of Augusta National officials during the 2026 Masters but both players escaped without penalties. 

MacIntyre directed a middle finger towards the 15th green whilst Garcia slammed his driver into the turf in frustration before snapping it on a nearby water cooler. 

As Rahm was nearing the completion of his second round, the Sky Sports Golf commentary team confirmed an R&A official handed him an official warning for his behaviour. 

Rahm will be given a two-shot penalty if there is a similar incident, with a third offence potentially leading to disqualification.

Speaking to reporters after posting a 67 to finish on four-under, Rahm said he "forgot" about the code of conduct in the moment and allowed his emotions to get the better of him. 

"I'm definitely more intense and passionate than a lot of the players out here, especially at work," he said. 

"But I wasn't thinking about it. If I try to alter who I am too much, it might cost me a little bit on the course. 

"But [I] certainly shouldn't have moments like the one on 15. I get it."

Take a look at the moment here:

R&A chief executive Mark Darbon spoke about the new code of conduct before the 154th Open began in his annual news conference. 

The aforementioned Niemann was handed the penalty despite there being no video evidence of his actions. 

Asked if the R&A would be transparent about handing out penalties in that scenario, Darbon said: "Look, it's up to the U.S. Open to determine how they deal with their own incidents. 

"For us, I feel very confident that we've got a good process that we've built off the back of introducing this player code of conduct for their on-course behaviour.

"So we have a clear decision-making process around that.

"We've obviously rehearsed and talked through a number of scenarios that could play out in that space. 

"So I think we're well set to deal with any issues if they come up on that front. 

"We believe that we have a responsibility to play a leadership role to ensure that fans watching all around the world see appropriate behaviour from the world's best players as they participate in our championship, and that's why we've got the code of conduct in place."

Golfers aren't the only ones expected to behave this year. 

Spectators here are also being asked to follow "The Open Commitment" by not abusing players, each other and consuming alcohol responsibly.