Following Augusta’s lead, The Open Championship is set to implement a Code of Conduct in July. R&A CEO Mark Darbon opened up on the tournament’s stance with the Code’s introduction.

After the outbursts of Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre, Augusta National dealt strict action as the Code of Conduct was applied, and both golfers received firm warnings.

"We've been working closely with the organizers of the other majors and the tours more broadly. I would expect to see a similar policy introduced this summer," said Darbon.

Sergio Garcia damaged a tee box with his club after a disappointing tee shot on the 2nd hole. On the other hand, MacIntyre was caught swearing and displaying unapproved gestures at Augusta.

Following their incidents, the four major tournaments — the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and The Open — have agreed to implement a new Code of Conduct.

"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," Darbon added.

Darbon also explained that the major demands passion from players as well as spectators. However, he stated that there is a fine line, and the values and integrity of the sport should always be upheld.

The PGA of America is set to introduce the Code of Conduct at Aronimink next month. Meanwhile, the USGA will join them at Shinnecock Hills in June.

Down the years, there have been a couple of infamous outbursts at The Open.

Infamous Outbursts At The Open

In the 2003 Open, Denmark's Thomas Bjørn created one of the most famous outbursts when he received a two-shot penalty for slamming his club into the sand in the bunker.

Similarly, during the 2016 Open, Belgium's Thomas Pieters snapped his iron over his knee and threw it into the bushes. This was a reaction to his quintuple bogey on the 11th hole.

The new policy provides officials with a clear framework to penalize future behavioral issues on the course.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav