New On-Course Misconduct Rule Could See Players Hit With Two-Shot Penalties at The Open

In a significant move aimed at preserving the spirit and integrity of golf’s oldest major, the **R&A has confirmed that players guilty of on-course misconduct at the 154th **Open Championship this July could face a two-shot penalty, a first for the sport’s biggest events.

R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon told BBC Sport that the decision follows a season in which player behaviour has come under scrutiny, particularly at major championships. Recent incidents involving Sergio Garcia — who angrily damaged a tee box at last month’s Masters — and Bob MacIntyre, who was warned for swearing and gesturing during a difficult opening round, highlighted the need for clearer standards.

“The passion players show is vital to the game, but there’s a fine line,” Darbon explained. “Golf’s values and integrity are among its greatest assets, and this code of conduct will help define acceptable behaviour at the highest level.”

Under the proposed policy, referees at Royal Birkdale will have discretion to impose a two-shot penalty in stroke play for “serious breaches” of etiquette — ensuring that a temper flare-up could directly influence a competitor’s position on the leaderboard. Previously, serious misconduct could only lead to disqualification or a formal reprimand; it seldom affected scoring.

Darbon said further details and specific examples of misconduct penalties will be released as The Open approaches. He also acknowledged that the R&A is working with the United States Golf Association (USGA) on other rule changes, including plans to limit how far golf balls can travel, a measure initially targeting 2028 before possible adjustments following stakeholder feedback.

The move underscores a broader effort by golf’s governing bodies to modernise the rules while protecting the traditions that define the sport. Whether the new penalty will influence player behaviour at this summer’s championship remains to be seen, but the message from the R&A is clear: respect on the course will be enforceable as well as expected.

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