The USGA has been told that it has strayed into dangerous territory by penalising Joaquin Niemann for throwing a club during the first round of the US Open.
Niemann deserves enormous credit for making the cut at the third major of the year. His performance was all the more impressive because he made an 11 on one hole during his opening round in Southampton.
On the par four sixth hole, Niemann ended up hitting two ***** out of bounds. He was subsequently handed a two-shot penalty having thrown his club and lost his temper.
It is a new rule that led to Niemann being reprimanded. However, it is difficult to judge whether it was a fair decision or not given that the incident was not caught on camera.
And that perhaps poses a problem.