The golf world hasn't stopped buzzing about Bryson DeChambeau's two-stroke penalty during the second round of The Open, and the conversation now includes the game's top-ranked player. Scottie Scheffler, speaking to reporters on Saturday, hinted that he has plenty to say on the matter—but he's not ready to let it all out just yet.
“I don’t really have a ton to say on it. Actually, I do have a ton to say. I haven’t decided exactly what I want to say publicly yet. But I do have some thoughts,” Scheffler said, according to Golf.com. The world No. 1 was careful to keep his focus on the tournament, adding, “I don’t really feel like now is the time or place to comment. We’re in the middle of a tournament, I’m focusing on what I need to do and I need to go out tomorrow and shoot a lower round. [I’m not really] going to expand on it too much.”
Scheffler’s measured response stands in contrast to the more direct takes from other players. Rory McIlroy, who watched the incident unfold on TV in the players’ lounge, didn't hold back. He called the penalty “justified,” saying the group immediately sensed something was off. “As soon as he made the step into the ball, we all sort of looked at each other, and we were like, ‘That didn’t seem right,'” McIlroy said. “Then when I heard that he was called in by the rules officials, I think it was pretty obvious for why.” The six-time major champion went a step further: “I think there’s no doubt that he improved the line of his backswing. Again, it’s like, whether it was careless or whether it was intentional, I don’t think it matters. Hopefully, it was careless, but I think the two-shot penalty was justified for sure.”
DeChambeau’s penalty has sparked widespread debate, with fans and analysts questioning the ruling. Some have even accused DeChambeau of cheating, while others defend him as a victim of overzealous officiating. The incident involving the fescue grass has become a flashpoint, drawing attention to the finer points of golf's complex rules. Meanwhile, rumors swirled that the LIV golfer threatened to walk away from the tournament after the penalty was handed down, though he ultimately stayed in contention.
Scheffler, known for his calm demeanor, clearly has strong opinions but is choosing discretion. His reluctance to wade into the controversy might be strategic—he's currently tied for 11th at 4-under, while DeChambeau sits tied for sixth at 6-under. McIlroy is further back at 29th, 2-under. With the tournament still in play, Scheffler is prioritizing his own game over the drama.
The debate isn't limited to the players. The network coverage of the incident has also drawn criticism, with some fans feeling the broadcast didn't adequately explain the ruling in real time. Others have taken to social media in a more unconventional protest, with calls for former President Trump to overrule the penalty—a nod to the absurdity of the situation.
As the final rounds approach, all eyes will be on DeChambeau to see how he responds to the setback. For Scheffler, the thoughts are there, but the words will have to wait. For now, he's letting his clubs do the talking.
