Joaquin Niemann became the first player in major championship history to receive a two-stroke penalty for throwing a club, then responded with rounds of 65 and 66 to nearly pull off an extraordinary comeback at the 2026 US Open.
Joaquin Niemann was assessed a two-stroke penalty in the first round of the US Open for “serious misconduct” at the par-4 sixth hole at Shinnecock Hills.
The Masters is almost here, but not every big name has secured a tee time at Augusta National. From Joaquin Niemann to Rickie Fowler, here are seven well-known players who still need a late push to qualify for the 2026 Masters.
A winner of 20 professional events worldwide, including two on the PGA Tour and seven on LIV Golf, Niemann will be looking to complete the Australian majors double after claiming the Australian Open in 2023.
Former champion Joaquin Niemann heads a list of four internationally acclaimed players who have been confirmed as starters in the men’s Australian Open at Royal Melbourne Golf Club from December 4-7.
With dance music blaring, live visual effects erupting and Mexico City fans standing almost on top of the tee box at the par-3 18th at Club Golf Chapultepec, Joaquin Niemann’s path to earning a start at the US Open was unique.
The top player not already exempt into the US Open field after the Korea event in early May will qualify. It’s the only major championship this year for which Niemann has not yet qualified.
Phil Mickelson has never shied away from making bold declarations. So his latest, which came in the form of an attention-grabbing reply on X/Twitter overnight, is hardly surprising.
Tour pros swing back and down while keeping the flex in their knees, the tilts in their hips, the bends in their arms and wrists. When you maintain those angles, the swing is more repeatable.
Australian Golf Digest
