Strict code of conduct implemented at AIG Women's Open after concerns over poor behavior
Strict code of conduct implemented at AIG Women's Open after concerns over poor behavior
Sam FrostSat, August 1, 2026 at 9:04 AM UTC
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Players competing at the AIG Women's Open must adhere to a strict code of conduct -Credit:Richard Martin-Roberts/R&A via Getty Images
Contenders at the AIG Women's Open are facing the same kind of scrutiny as the men at last month's Open Championship as golf's authorities launch a crackdown on bad behavior.
The competitors at Royal Lytham & St. Annes this week are subject to a strict code of conduct that carries two-shot penalties or disqualification for egregious rule violations.
Through two rounds on the northwest coast of England, there have been no code of conduct violations, but the rules were enforced at The Open two weeks ago, with Bob MacIntyre and Jon Rahm receiving official warnings over their behavior.
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The organizers of the men's major championships launched their crackdown on poor conduct at the start of this season, with Augusta National leading the way. Both MacIntyre and Sergio Garcia were warned for furious outbursts.
Two months later at the U.S. Open, Joaquin Niemann became the first player to be penalized under the rules. The LIV Golf star was slapped with a two-stroke penalty after hurling his club in a fit of rage at Shinnecock Hills.
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No penalties were handed out at Royal Birkdale by the R&A two weeks ago, but a precedent has been set that players risk jeopardizing their tournament if their behavior crosses the line.
No warnings or penalties have been handed out so far -Credit:Luke Walker/Getty Images
The official rules for the Women's Open read: "If a player’s (or their caddie’s) behaviour is so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf, in accordance with Rule 1.2b, the Chief Referee, in consultation with the Chief Championships Officer, may issue an official warning or apply a penalty of two strokes or disqualification, taking account of the frequency, impact or potential impact, intent and severity of the misconduct.
"An official warning does not need to be given prior to applying a penalty of two strokes or disqualification."
Poor player behavior might not be as prevalent in the women's game as it is in men's competition, but The R&A, which stages both the women's and men's Opens, has armed itself with the necessary tools to deal with any violations.
Back in April, R&A CEO Mark Darbon underlined the organization's duty to ensure that all competitors behave accordingly.
"I feel very confident that we've got a good process that we've built off the back of introducing this player code of conduct for their on-course behavior," he said.
"We believe that we have a responsibility to play a leadership role to ensure that fans watching all around the world see appropriate behavior from the world's best players as they participate in our championship, and that's why we've got the code of conduct in place."
Through 36 holes at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, South Korea's Haeran Ryu holds a one-shot lead over Shiho Kuwaki.
Source: “AOL Sports”
