Scheffler defends DeChambeau over two-shot Open penalty

Scottie Scheffler has publicly backed Bryson DeChambeau after the two-time US Open champion was handed a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open, describing his Ryder Cup team-mate as "definitely not a cheater".

DeChambeau was adjudged to have improved the line of his backswing in long grass at the par-four fifth at Royal Birkdale, turning an opening bogey into a triple-bogey seven. The ruling prompted extended discussions with rules officials late on Friday evening and dominated coverage of the final men's major of the year.

Scheffler's defence

Speaking after finishing tied fourth, Scheffler said he had known DeChambeau for years and had never witnessed anything improper, whether in amateur events or casual contests on the practice green. He added that from a distant television camera angle, DeChambeau may have looked "a touch careless" around his ball, but he did not believe the action was intentional.

The world No 1 also questioned how consistently the rules are applied, suggesting golf may need to police players more strictly while acknowledging the difficulty of judging incidents that are captured from far-away camera positions rather than seen up close.

Reaction and the R&A's verdict

Rory McIlroy criticised what he called DeChambeau's "performative" behaviour, pointing to a lengthy post-round discussion on the course and a late-night range session. The R&A accepted that DeChambeau's actions were unintentional. Suggestions that he would withdraw in protest were quickly dismissed, and DeChambeau — who did not speak to the media after his rounds — said on social media that the decision had "fired him up" to keep playing.

• DeChambeau was given a two-shot penalty in round two after a ruling at the par-four fifth, converting a bogey into a triple-bogey seven.
• The R&A accepted his actions were unintentional; talk of a withdrawal in protest was quashed.
• Scheffler, who finished tied fourth, said he had never seen DeChambeau cheat and doubted the incident was deliberate.
• McIlroy described DeChambeau's behaviour around the ruling as "performative".
• Scheffler raised the question of whether officials should be stricter in how they police players.

The episode leaves the sport with a broader talking point about how rules are enforced when incidents are judged largely through television footage. DeChambeau continues his season on the LIV Golf circuit, while the debate over camera angles, intent and consistency is likely to follow officials into the next majors.