Scheffler says DeChambeau is not a cheater after two-stroke penalty

Scottie Scheffler said Bryson DeChambeau is "definitely not a cheater" after DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty during the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club. DeChambeau was penalized on Friday for improving the area of his intended swing in tall grass on the fifth hole. The R&A's executive director of governance stated the rule applies even when the action is accidental.

comments on rules enforcement Scheffler said professional golf needs to police rule breakers more strictly while acknowledging that television angles can make actions appear different from what players see on the course. He noted that some golfers receive more scrutiny because their shots appear more frequently on television.

Scheffler recalled a 2020 incident in which Jon Rahm received a penalty after his ball moved slightly in the rough, reducing Rahm's winning margin at The Memorial.

final-round performance DeChambeau shot 69 on Saturday and 72 on Sunday to finish at 4 under par, six shots behind winner Ryan Fox. Scheffler posted a 3-under 67 in the final round and tied for fourth at 7 under. Scheffler said players should follow rules more carefully and stay farther from the line between legal and illegal actions.