A clear 60% of EssentiallySports readers believe the USGA's new conduct rules will be enough to curb unruly behavior during events, while 35% remain skeptical that two-stroke penalties carry enough sting. Supporters argue the financial hit will finally force pros to keep their tempers in check, with one reader noting, "You hand out two-stroke penalties and it cost them money and that's what they're there for." Others want a tiered yellow card/red card system escalating to disqualification, and several pointed to thrown clubs as a genuine safety risk for fans. The 35% in opposition aren't convinced — one reader called the penalty "toothless" for players already missing the cut, suggesting major-event bans instead. Others bluntly labeled today's pros "spoiled prima donnas" who'll explode regardless. The verdict: fans want accountability, but the jury's still out on whether two strokes truly does the job.
Essentially Golf
Jun 20, 2026
Do You Think USGA’s New Rules Would Be Enough to Curb Unruly Behavior During Events?

60%
Yes
177
35%
No
104
4%
Share Your Thoughts in the Comments
13
294 readers voted
We asked readers to weigh in — 19 shared their take. Here’s what they said:
Reader Reactions
19
su***r**r***e@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:26 PM EDT
The rule should be more specific. Also I like the idea of Yellow Card/Red Card. First a warning that lasts for the remainder of the tournament. Second offense is 2 stroke penalty. 3rd offense DQ. Club throwing is like Racket abuse in tennis. It's an automatic. Damaging property should skip the warning and go to 2 strokes.
tw***s***f***s@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 5:49 PM EDT
If this does not improve the players temper control the next step could be removal or a large dollar fine.
tl***m**9**2@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 6:29 PM EDT
If a player is already out of the running to make the cut, the 2 stroke penalty is toothless .If the infraction occurs during a major, then ban the player from the next major
ja***s**n**n@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 3:11 PM EDT
No way never.
fu***r***a***8@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 7:45 PM EDT
Lots of pros are prima donnas who think rules don't apply to them
le***n**m***k@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 6:29 PM EDT
No, they'd seem to be happy only if they make 18 holes in one. The exaggerated frustration over every single shot seems like flopping in soccer except it's pointless
lo*s*o*s@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:26 PM EDT
They need to keep their temper in check. A lot of younger people are watching and they notice. Also a thrown club could hurt a bystander.
tp**a*d*6@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 3:26 PM EDT
Pro athletes are generally so sure of themselves tempers will flare regardless of the penalty. Look at Wyndham Clark.
vi*pe*k@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 5:34 PM EDT
Quite a few of the pros are spoiled and quick-tempered. A few of them will explode and be penalized. The PGA will try to set a few examples to reinforce the new penalty.
pn**h*i**z@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 4:38 PM EDT
Little temper tantrums should be recognized and penalized. Unknown outsider didn't land you in the rough, "you did it, grow up or go home, big baby". I really don't like playing with those that throw their club in anger or beat it against the green just because they think they are better than what they really are.
du**l**e**m@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:50 PM EDT
You hand out two-stroke penalties and it cost them money and that's what they're there for. The money money..
ro**o**e**0@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 9:13 PM EDT
As long as they apply them fairly and often. Give a warning at first sign of an issue (just like slow play) and then slap them with a two stroke penalty. Long time overdue. Get the bad behavior under control. Even Wyndam Clark should have been disqualified from next event for his bad behavior after US Open tournament when he damage the locker room.
ru***a**s***6@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:13 PM EDT
THROWING CLUBS; THATS FOR SPOILED ROTTON TEENS!
mj*****f****y****s@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:02 PM EDT
need a serious penalty as severe as disqualification for a 2nd offence otherwise 2 strokes can be a joke.
ds*o*k*7@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:34 PM EDT
Oh my gosh, he threw a club! Maybe the penalty should be to lose The PGA membership.
de****g***e***0@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:02 PM EDT
It’s dangerous and can cause injury to a fan !
wi***h**z**1@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 2:38 PM EDT
It's a new rule, so we we'll have to see. Certainly sounds like it should work.
wo*****s****n****0@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 3:30 PM EDT
A general penalty is huge compared to a small monetary amount.
gl**i*w**t@gmail.com
Jun 19, 2026 · 4:05 PM EDT
I think a small fine would be in order as well.