Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 20

Scheffler Defends DeChambeau After 2-Stroke Open Penalty, Urges Stricter Policing

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 20

Scheffler Defends DeChambeau After 2-Stroke Open Penalty, Urges Stricter Policing

Q: What did Scottie Scheffler see that officials missed during DeChambeau's controversial penalty?

There is no confirmed public evidence that Scottie Scheffler saw something officials missed. Based on the available reporting, Scheffler was playing alongside Bryson DeChambeau during the round and later said he had “a ton to say,” but he repeatedly declined to explain what that was. He also indicated he did not closely track DeChambeau’s shots because their ball flights and strategies were different, which undercuts any claim that he clearly witnessed a decisive detail the R&A overlooked. What is publicly established is the R&A’s reasoning: DeChambeau was penalized two strokes after officials determined he flattened grass behind the ball on the fifth hole, thereby improving the conditions affecting his stroke. Grant Moir said the action created a “potential advantage,” and Rory McIlroy, who said he saw the incident, backed the ruling as justified. So, the most accurate answer is that Scheffler has not revealed any specific observation, and no reporting shows that he identified a missed fact by officials. The speculation comes from his refusal to comment, not from any disclosed evidence.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 20

Scottie Scheffler said Bryson DeChambeau is "definitely not a cheater" after the two-stroke Open Championship penalty, framing the incident as carelessness rather than intent.
Scheffler still backed tougher enforcement, saying players sometimes push too close to the line and golf should return to stricter policing of its traditions.
The penalty came after officials ruled DeChambeau improved his lie on the fifth hole in round two at Royal Birkdale, even as he argued his case.
TV scrutiny became part of Scheffler's critique: stars like DeChambeau are filmed on every shot, he said, while less-watched players may avoid similar penalties.
The comments closed a debate Scheffler had postponed during the tournament, and they largely matched the wider reaction—defending DeChambeau's integrity while accepting the ruling.