Any more clarity on player conduct after R&A press conference?

Broadcast analysts Rex Hoggard and Ryan Lavner discussed whether the R&A’s Wednesday press conference at Royal Birkdale provided more clarity on player conduct rules and potential penalties. They said the updated messaging did not reduce the uncertainty, particularly around what specific actions would constitute a violation serious enough for punishment. The R&A indicated it has a “clear decision-making process” for handling conduct violations, but the panelists noted that the issue of transparency remains, including what triggers a warning and how penalties would be applied. They compared this approach with past events, citing a two-shot penalty for Joaquin Niemann at the US Open without video being provided in the account discussed, and contrasting it with the Masters where Sergio Garcia received no one-stroke penalty despite having footage available. The analysts also highlighted how subjective enforcement could be when evaluating actions such as club throwing based on distance.