R&A Enforces New Conduct Code at 2026 Women's Open Golf Championship

The R&A introduced a strict code of conduct for the AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, allowing officials to issue official warnings, impose two‑stroke penalties, or disqualify players for serious breaches of expected behavior. No violations have been recorded so far, but the rules mirror recent actions in the men's majors, where players such as Bob MacIntyre, Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann received warnings or penalties for outbursts.

R&A CEO Mark Darbon emphasized the organization’s duty to uphold the spirit of the game. The new policy follows a broader crackdown on player conduct across professional golf.

Separately, a recent fan survey highlighted several PGA Tour players who remain unpopular due to past controversies, naming Billy Horschel, Matt Kuchar and Patrick Cantlay among the most disliked figures on the tour.