Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm both shot one-under 69 in the first round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink. Their on-course behavior, particularly Thomas throwing his club in frustration, has raised questions about potential punishment.
Key points
Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm both shot one-under 69
They finished day one tied for 15th place
Thomas threw his club in frustration during the round
Their behavior has raised questions about potential punishment
Mentioned in this story
Aronimink Golf Club
Justin ThomasJon RahmPGA Championship
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm experienced similar opening rounds of the PGA Championship at Aronimink, where day two is now underway.
The two players both carded one-under 69 to finish day one in a tie for 15th place, two shots off the leaders, of which there are seven.
But the pair have also come under the spotlight for their behaviour, with Thomas having thrown his club into the ground in frustration during his first round.
Rex Hoggard reacts to Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm behaviour at Aronimink
Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav, he said: āIn the case of Justin Thomas I think that is a great example and, no, I donāt even think Jon Rahm [should be punished].
āJT threw the club out of his hand into the ground, I donāt think that should have been a violation.
āSometimes you get frustrated, anybody who has played the game of golf understands that.
āI donāt like the idea that in these particular events where so much is riding on the outcome that guys now have to be worrying about the littlest things.ā
Rory McIlroy was also guilty of hitting his club into the ground at , letting his emotions boil over en route to a four-over 74.
Q&A
What did Justin Thomas do during the PGA Championship at Aronimink?
Justin Thomas threw his club into the ground in frustration during his first round at the PGA Championship.
How did Jon Rahm perform in the first round of the PGA Championship?
Jon Rahm carded a one-under 69, finishing the first round tied for 15th place.
What was the reaction to Thomas and Rahm's behavior at the PGA Championship?
Their behavior, particularly Thomas's club throw, has sparked discussions about whether they should face punishment.
Where is the PGA Championship being held this year?
The PGA Championship is being held at Aronimink Golf Club.
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Responding to Hoggard, Lavner said: āI am completely with you. The pressure, the stakes and the emotions are high. I donāt want to see a club slam all of a sudden be here is a warning.
āKeep in mind these are rolling penalties, so if you receive a warning in the opening round and then throw a tantrum on Saturday, you are docked two shots.
āI donāt like that at all. I really think this should be saved for egregious acts of misbehaviour.
āSergio Garciaās was an egregious act of misbehaviour, it wasnāt just a club slam which is pretty common on the PGA Tour and at major championships, he was also beating the water cooler on the second hole!
āHe has had other temper tantrums throughout his career. Throwing a fit in a bunker, mutilating a rake, maybe decapitating a club, those are the sorts of acts of misbehaviour that should be falling under this policy, so if you are trying to nark on the players on social media, please find something better to do.ā
Garcia wasnāt the only player to lose his cool at Augusta National, with Robert MacIntyre slammed by golf fans for losing his temper at The Masters too.
Despite the new code of conduct in place, players continue to tread the line with their temper, with many more outbursts very likely over the coming days at Aronimink.