Scottie Scheffler playfully responds to Rory McIlroy’s comments about Bryson DeChambeau at the Open.
Ryan Fox celebrated his first major win at The Open on Sunday, but he wasn’t the only one making headlines during the four-day event. Bryson DeChambeau’s behavior at Royal Birkdale caught a lot of attention at The Open’s 154th edition.
DeChambeau, who ended the tournament six shots behind Fox, got a two-shot penalty at the end of day two for stepping on long grass. The 32-year-old was penalized for accidentally improving his lie on the fifth hole. He had a lively discussion with officials right there and then, followed by a 20-minute talk with The Open organizers in the recorder’s office.
Some even wondered if DeChambeau would quit the tournament, with his agent saying, “We’ll see if he shows up tomorrow.” But on Friday evening, DeChambeau posted on X to confirm he would keep playing. He said, “Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.”
His reaction didn’t sit well with some big names in golf, including Rory McIlroy. McIlroy called the situation “holding The Open hostage” and wasn’t shy about his feelings. “I’m not particularly fond of him,” McIlroy told reporters. “I think a lot of it’s just for attention.”
He added that everyone felt the penalty was fair, saying, “As soon as he stepped into the ball, we all looked at each other, thinking that didn’t seem right… there’s no doubt he improved the line of his backswing… I think the two-shot penalty was justified.”
While many agreed with McIlroy, others disagreed. The crowd cheered loudly for DeChambeau on day three, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler defended him while taking a subtle dig at McIlroy.
“I think golf is different from a lot of sports because my biggest rival is the golf course,” Scheffler said before the 3M Open in Minnesota. “I don’t try to stop other players. Unlike basketball, where you play defense against someone, golf is more about competing with yourself.”
Scheffler said he didn’t like McIlroy’s “personal jab” at DeChambeau and believes the biggest challenge every week is the course itself.
Fox finished The Open at seven under par and is now ready to compete at the 3M Open for the first time in his PGA Tour career.