It\u2019s safe to say that no one has ever had a U.S. Open week quite like the one Joaquin Niemann just had.<\/p>\n
The 27-year-old LIV star made a bit of golf history when he became the first player to receive a two-stroke penalty in a major championship for throwing a club. That turned his nine on the par-4 sixth hole on Thursday into an 11. Ouch.<\/p>\n
RELATED: US Open 2026: Video of Jon Rahm kicking club brings Joaquin Niemann penalty under further scrutiny<\/a><\/p>\n But he wasn\u2019t done! Niemann mounted an incredible rally the following day after being informed of the infraction. He shot 65 to make the cut. And then he added a 66 on Sunday to vault into the top 10 and give him a chance at the best major finish of his career.<\/p>\n Of course, that also led to an obvious \u201cWhat if?\u201d question. Because at the time of him signing his Sunday scorecard, Niemann trailed leader Wyndahm Clark by seven shots. After losing seven shots on one hole earlier in the week.<\/p>\n RELATED: US Open 2026: Police kick out fans for taunting Wyndham Clark on a day full of abuse from spectators<\/a><\/p>\n But that\u2019s when Niemann delivered his best birdie of the week:<\/p>\n \u201cIf my grandmother had tyres,\u201d Niemann responded, \u201cshe\u2019d be a car.\u201d<\/p>\n Reporter: \u201cAre you thinking \u2018if that one hole didn\u2019t happen and you get those 7 shots back, I\u2019d have a chance to win?\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n Niemann: \u201cIf my grandmother had tires, she\u2019d be a car.\u201d<\/p>\n That had everyone laughing. Overall a super impressive interview from Joaco. pic.twitter.com\/AZm4aAiPl0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Matt Vincenzi (@MattVincenziPGA) June 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Well played, Joaquin. Is it too late to rescind that penalty?<\/p>\n FULL\u00a0GOLF DIGEST\u00a0US OPEN COVERAGE HERE<\/a><\/p>\n