The R&A\u2019s code-of-conduct policy was tested Friday at Royal Birkdale, where Jon Rahm tomahawked his iron after a poor tee shot at the par-3 15th.<\/p>\n
The organization had three options: issue a warning, hand out a two-shot penalty, declare a disqualification. It opted for the lesser. Rahm was told on the 17th tee by an official that he received a warning.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen he was walking up to me. I knew exactly what it was for,\u201d Rahm told reporters after his round.<\/p>\n
Rahm bogeyed the 15th to drop to 2 under par but rebounded with birdies at Nos. 16 and 17. He had 5 feet to close with three straight birdies but missed wide left. Rahm shot 3-under 67 to enter the weekend at 4 under, four behind leader Lucas Herbert.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t always love the word \u2019emotional.\u2019 I\u2019m definitely more intense and passionate than a lot of the players out here, especially at work,\u201d Rahm said. \u201cIt\u2019s not like I\u2019m going to … if I try to alter who I am too much, it might cost me a little bit on the course. But certainly shouldn\u2019t have moments like the one on 15. I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Code of Conduct<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, the governing bodies of all four majors announced a code-of-conduct policy to hold players to a higher standard of behavior during competition. The policy, however, has been criticized for its inconsistent application.<\/p>\n