Story perspectives

Scheffler Denies Seeing DeChambeau Cheat, Calls Penalty Careless

7/20/2026

Summary

Scheffler Defends DeChambeau

On July 20, 2026, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler said he never saw Bryson DeChambeau cheat and called the two-shot penalty careless.
He had declined comment on July 19, 2026, saying he would wait until after the tournament.
Scheffler warned that camera angles can distort perception and that players like DeChambeau face intense scrutiny.
He urged a return to golf’s traditions and stricter rule enforcement, noting criticism from Rory McIlroy and Russell Henley.

Summary

Scheffler Birdies 17th

Scheffler birdied the 17th with an 8-foot putt after receiving TIO relief, finishing his round at 3-under 67.
He said he just needs more birdies, noting that in his last 37 holes he made one bogey and three birdies.
He won The American Express in January, breaking a 78-tournament cut streak at the Scottish Open.
The R&A applied the virtual certainty rule, allowing a 94-yard drop from the grandstand area.

History

Historical Context

In 2019 the PGA Tour penalized Dustin Johnson two strokes for moving his ball at the RBC Canadian Open, sparking debate over video-based rulings. That season also featured the Players Championship’s $12.5 million purse, the largest single-event prize, highlighting growing financial stakes and scrutiny in professional golf. The incident foreshadows the USGA and R&A’s later rule revisions.

1 of 3

Scheffler Defends DeChambeau

On July 20, 2026, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler said he never saw Bryson DeChambeau cheat and called the two-shot penalty careless.
He had declined comment on July 19, 2026, saying he would wait until after the tournament.
Scheffler warned that camera angles can distort perception and that players like DeChambeau face intense scrutiny.
He urged a return to golf’s traditions and stricter rule enforcement, noting criticism from Rory McIlroy and Russell Henley.

1 / 3