The behaviour of the world’s best women’s golfers will be scrutinised more than ever at Royal Lytham and St Annes this week.
NCG can exclusively reveal that for the first time, the AIG Women’s Open will enforce a player code of conduct.
NCG can also reveal that the US Women’s Open and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship have codes of conduct as well. Meanwhile, the Chevron Championship and the Evian Championship apply the LPGA and Ladies European Tour system of fines for inappropriate behaviour.
In the list of local rules in this year’s championship on the Fylde coast, the details of Serious Misconduct are outlined, as they were at The Open:
If a player’s (or their caddie’s) behaviour is so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf, in accordance with Rule 1.2b, the Chief Referee, in consultation with the Chief Championships Officer, may issue an official warning or apply a penalty of two strokes or disqualification, taking account of the frequency, impact or potential impact, intent and severity of the misconduct.
An official warning does not need to be given prior to applying a penalty of two strokes or disqualification.
This news follows the trend of golf’s crackdown on poor behaviour, and the example set in the men’s game at The Open Championship and the other majors. While there has always been scope for the rules of golf to disqualify players for violating misconduct guidelines, now, shot penalties could be handed out during rounds at the biggest events, which would have consequences for a player’s position on the leaderboard.
This could have a significant effect on the leaderboard at the AIG Women’s Open if a player is found to overstep.
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At the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, Joaquin Niemann was given a two-shot penalty for poor behaviour, and at The Open Championship, Jon Rahm was given a warning after throwing a club at Royal Birkdale. Sergio Garcia and Robert MacIntyre were also slapped on the wrists at this year’s Masters.
It isn’t just the players that are expected to maintain standards. A new set of rules was implemented for fans to follow at The Open Championship – called The Open Commitment – and the same thing is present at the AIG Women’s Open this week.
The Open Commitment asks fans to respect the players, the course, each other, to be aware and to enjoy the action responsibly.
Fan behaviour has reached a nadir at a handful of events in recent memory. As much as Europe’s victory at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage was memorable, the event will no doubt be remembered for the vile chants targeted at European players, and the overall hostility outside the ropes that compelled the presence of state troopers.
At last year’s Irish Open, the home crowd cheered Rory McIlroy to victory, but also cheered his opponent’s ball into the water at the K Club during the final playoff hole.
Both Brian Harman and Scottie Scheffler had to absorb unwelcome comments from noisy spectators during their respective wins at the 2023 and 2025 Open Championships, too.
It appears the game’s governing bodies have grown tired of a lack of etiquette shown by players and fans in recent times, and are therefore addressing the issue.
“I think first and foremost, you want passion,” R&A CEO Mark Darbon said earlier this year.
“You want passion from players, you want passion from spectators, but there’s a fine line, and one of the amazing things about this sport is the values and integrity that underpin it.
NOW READ: Is golf etiquette really about maintaining standards – or does it just make you feel good?
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