Golfers competing at the Open Championship this July could find themselves penalised with two additional shots if they engage in on-course misconduct.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon shared that golf’s governing body is preparing to introduce the new code of conduct ahead of the 154th staging of the tournament at Royal Birkdale.
Darbon explained that officials would have new powers to sanction players who breach the sport’s etiquette standards.
“I think first and foremost, you want passion. You want passion from players, you want passion from spectators, but there’s a fine line, and one of the amazing things about this sport are the values and integrity that underpin it,” he told the BBC.
Bob MacIntyre caused controversy for his outbursts at the Masters
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He continued: “So we will watch that line very closely. We, like many of the other major events, are looking to implement a new code of conduct policy that will be in place this summer here at Royal Birkdale.
“And it will give us another measure by which to help influence and control that behaviour.
“It will depend on the circumstance and a determination of what their actions may lead to, but you could well see a two-shot penalty, for example, being deployed.
“We will clarify all of those details in the buildup to the championship.”
Sergio Garcia had to apologise after his behaviour at the Masters
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The announcement follows a pair of high-profile incidents at last month’s Masters that thrust player conduct into the spotlight.
Sergio Garcia received a reprimand from Augusta officials after the Spaniard took his frustration out on a tee box, damaging it with his club following a wayward drive on the second hole during his final round.
Bob MacIntyre faced a warning after a microphone picked up an expletive outburst.
The Scottish golfer also stuck up his middle finger after a wayward shot in his nightmare opening round that saw him shoot an 80.
The Scottish golfer stuck up his middle finger after a wayward shot
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The incidents have prompted all four major championships to agree on implementing unified conduct standards this season.
Professional tours are expected to adopt similar measures, though their specific policies are still under development.
Previously, disqualification represented the only sanction available for serious breaches, as Garcia experienced in 2019 when he damaged a green at a DP World Tour event in Saudi Arabia.
The new framework marks a significant shift, giving referees the power to impose stroke penalties on competitors who seriously violate the game’s traditional standards.
Golfers could receive a two-shot penalty at the Open in July
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Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley endorsed the plans at last month’s Masters, stating: “What we’re trying to do is to protect the integrity of what makes golf so great. That it’s more than about just hitting prodigious drives.”
Darbon shared that the new rule could take time to be introduced, saying: “So it could be delayed. At the moment, when the original decision was announced, there were two dates for implementation, 2028 for the elite game and in 2030 for the recreational game.
“We’ve had feedback from a range of stakeholders, manufacturers, organising bodies, players, others, asking us to consider whether a single date in 2030 may make more sense.
“So we’re finalising that view, which will be announced in due course, but we remain wedded to the decision.”
