Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm experienced similar opening rounds of the PGA Championship at Aronimink, where day two is now underway.
The two players both carded one-under 69 to finish day one in a tie for 15th place, two shots off the leaders, of which there are seven.
But the pair have also come under the spotlight for their behaviour, with Thomas having thrown his club into the ground in frustration during his first round.
Meanwhile, Rahm apologized for hitting a volunteer with grass after swinging his club in frustration at the Pennsylvania course.
In light of the new code of conduct on inappropriate behaviour, Rex Hoggard has now suggested whether Rahm and Thomas should have been punished at the PGA Championship.
Rex Hoggard reacts to Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm behaviour at Aronimink
Speaking on the Golf Channel Podcast with Rex & Lav, he said: “In the case of Justin Thomas I think that is a great example and, no, I don’t even think Jon Rahm [should be punished].
“JT threw the club out of his hand into the ground, I don’t think that should have been a violation.
“Sometimes you get frustrated, anybody who has played the game of golf understands that.
“I don’t like the idea that in these particular events where so much is riding on the outcome that guys now have to be worrying about the littlest things.”
Rory McIlroy was also guilty of hitting his club into the ground at Aronimink, letting his emotions boil over en route to a four-over 74.
Ryan Lavner suggests what constitutes crossing the line at majors
Ryan Lavner also shared his take on the behaviour of Thomas and Rahm, recalling a more extreme outburst at The Masters last month.
Fans want Sergio Garcia banned from The Masters after he completely lost his temper during his final round, smashing his driver into the ground and into a water cooler.
Responding to Hoggard, Lavner said: “I am completely with you. The pressure, the stakes and the emotions are high. I don’t want to see a club slam all of a sudden be here is a warning.
“Keep in mind these are rolling penalties, so if you receive a warning in the opening round and then throw a tantrum on Saturday, you are docked two shots.
“I don’t like that at all. I really think this should be saved for egregious acts of misbehaviour.
“Sergio Garcia’s was an egregious act of misbehaviour, it wasn’t just a club slam which is pretty common on the PGA Tour and at major championships, he was also beating the water cooler on the second hole!
“He has had other temper tantrums throughout his career. Throwing a fit in a bunker, mutilating a rake, maybe decapitating a club, those are the sorts of acts of misbehaviour that should be falling under this policy, so if you are trying to nark on the players on social media, please find something better to do.”
Garcia wasn’t the only player to lose his cool at Augusta National, with Robert MacIntyre slammed by golf fans for losing his temper at The Masters too.
Despite the new code of conduct in place, players continue to tread the line with their temper, with many more outbursts very likely over the coming days at Aronimink.
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