Joaquin Niemann received a two-stroke penalty for throwing his sand wedge during the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. The incident occurred on the sixth hole Thursday night, turning his score on the hole from a 9 to an 11. Niemann responded with a 65 in the second round on Friday.
Niemann arrived at the par-4 sixth hole Thursday having played solidly through 14 holes. He hit two tee shots out of bounds and a third into fescue before laying up and throwing his club about 50 yards in frustration as play was halted for darkness.
The USGA assessed the penalty Friday morning under its code of conduct policy for serious misconduct. Niemann said he felt the penalty was harsh but accepted it and held a press conference to discuss the matter.
In the second round he birdied five of his first six holes and finished with a 65 to reach three over par for the tournament. He said the experience helped him refocus and play more aggressively.
"I’m not proud of it, but sometimes all the expectation of trying to play well and things doesn’t go your way, you get frustrated," Niemann said.
