Scheffler defends DeChambeau amid controversial Open penalty
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 6:44 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Scottie Scheffler defended Bryson DeChambeau, stating he is 'definitely not a cheater' following a two-stroke penalty at the Open. DeChambeau faced controversy after being penalized for improving his swing line by trampling grass near his ball during the second round at Royal Birkdale. The incident drew criticism from Rory McIlroy for DeChambeau's reaction, which included extensive discussions with officials. While some players expressed irritation over the delay caused during play, Scheffler insisted DeChambeau's actions were unintentional and merit a fair consideration of the rules. Despite the controversy, Scheffler finished in a tie for fourth place in the tournament.
- •Scheffler calls DeChambeau 'definitely not a cheater'.
- •DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty at the Open.
- •Controversy arose after an incident at Royal Birkdale's fifth hole.
- •Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau's reaction to the penalty.
- •Scheffler tied for fourth place, three shots behind the winner.
- 8:22 PMYahoo Sports — DeChambeau is not a cheater - Scheffler
- 7:28 PMESPN — Scheffler: DeChambeau 'definitely not a cheater'
- 6:33 PMYahoo Sports — DeChambeau is not a cheater, Scheffler says as Open slips away
"World number one Scottie Scheffler has defended Bryson DeChambeau over the rules controversy that dominated the Open, insisting his fellow US star is “not a cheater. ” DeChambeau was at the centre of attention at Royal Birkdale after being penalised two strokes following his second round for improving the line of his swing by trampling on long grass close to his ball.
"World number one Scottie Scheffler insists Bryson DeChambeau is "definitely not a cheater" as the rules incident which overshadowed The Open rumbles on.
"Scottie Scheffler defended Bryson DeChambeau, saying the LIV Golf star is "definitely not a cheater."
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 8:22 PMDeChambeau is not a cheater - Scheffler
World number one Scottie Scheffler insists Bryson DeChambeau is "definitely not a cheater" as the rules incident which overshadowed The Open rumbles on.
- ESPNJul 19, 2026, 7:28 PMScheffler: DeChambeau 'definitely not a cheater'
Scottie Scheffler defended Bryson DeChambeau, saying the LIV Golf star is "definitely not a cheater."
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 6:33 PMDeChambeau is not a cheater, Scheffler says as Open slips away
World number one Scottie Scheffler has defended Bryson DeChambeau over the rules controversy that dominated the Open, insisting his fellow US star is “not a cheater. ” DeChambeau was at the centre of attention at Royal Birkdale after being penalised two strokes following his second round for improving the line of his swing by trampling on long grass close to his ball.
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