DeChambeau penalty at The Open splits Scheffler and McIlroy reactions
6 verified4 unconfirmed
Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open after officials ruled he had flattened knee-high rough behind his ball on the fifth hole, improving his backswing path. The R&A stated the action was accidental but still a breach of the rules. DeChambeau, who thought a round of 66 had left him one shot off the lead, finished tied-14th six strokes behind champion Ryan Fox. World number one Scottie Scheffler, who was playing with DeChambeau when the incident occurred, defended his fellow American, saying he is “definitely not a cheater” and that any violation was likely careless rather than intentional. Rory McIlroy, who said he is “not fond of” DeChambeau, called the incident “performative” and criticized him for holding up the tournament. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon described the penalty as a “clear-cut decision from a rules perspective.”
What’s verified
Bryson DeChambeau was given a two-shot penalty during the second round of The Open for flattening grass behind his ball on the fifth hole.
The R&A said DeChambeau’s action was accidental but still violated the rules.
Scottie Scheffler said DeChambeau is “not a cheater” and that the violation was likely careless.
Rory McIlroy said he is “not fond of” DeChambeau and called the incident “performative” and a poor look for the tournament.
R&A chief Mark Darbon said the penalty was a “clear-cut decision from a rules perspective.”
DeChambeau finished tied-14th, six strokes behind winner Ryan Fox.
Not yet confirmed
Multiple media reports, cited by one source, claim DeChambeau allegedly threatened to call President Donald Trump during discussions with the R&A about the penalty. It is not known whether any such call took place.
One source reported that DeChambeau visited Darbon after the third round to request his scorecard from the previous day, but the request was declined.
One source reported that DeChambeau posted on Instagram after the tournament, thanking supporters and congratulating Ryan Fox.
None of the sources clarify whether DeChambeau spoke to the media during the tournament; one stated he declined interviews for the eighth successive major round.
Key figures
Bryson DeChambeau, American golfer
Scottie Scheffler, world number one golfer
Rory McIlroy, Northern Irish golfer
Mark Darbon, R&A chief executive
Ryan Fox, champion of The Open
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
