SerpApi.Org
Rory McIlroy gave new life to Bryson DeChambeau's two-stroke penalty at The Open with his post-round analysis and top PGA Tour star Scottie Scheffler wasn't afraid to say that he is not a fan of that kind of behavior.
Scheffler was asked at the 3M Open about McIlroy's quote after DeChambeau was hit with a two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale. The World No. 1 pushed back on the idea that golf needs personal beefs outside of action on the course to create moments.
"I've never been a big fan of personal jabs," Scheffler said. "I don't think that rivalry is a big thing in golf just because, like I said, my biggest rivalry week in and week out is the golf course."
Meanwhile, chaos erupted after Scott Hend had his driver stolen out of his bag before the ISPS Handa Senior Open.
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Scheffler explained that golf is different from basketball and other contact sports because NBA athletes compete directly against each other. In golf, players also have to face the challenges of an entire course crafted carefully by experts of the game.
"I felt like when I played basketball there would always be rivalries in basketball because you're going to play defense against a person and that is much more personal in a sense like because I'm actively trying to stop (someone)," he continued.
DeChambeau's controversy began on the par-4 fifth hole during his second round at The Open. His ball landed in thick rough, and replays showed him stomping near the ball in a way that officials said improved his backswing.
The fallout consumed the broadcast and forced USA Network to stay on air, and Golf Channel's Live From The Open coverage to pivot into extended rules analysis.
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee accused DeChambeau of 'weed wacking' the area around him and agreed with the penalty. Viewers later saw DeChambeau practicing on the range in the dark as the debate went on.
DeChambeau initially threatened to drop out of the tournament after his agent Brett Falkhoff said he was treated unfairly. McIlroy said the two-shot penalty was fair and admitted he isn't "particularly fond" of DeChambeau.
The LIV Golf star's actions delayed some players' tee times until 11 p.m. ET because of his animated arguments. PGA players like Justin Thomas and Marco Penge shared their concerns about the delays online.
McIlroy accused the LIV Golf star of holding The Open hostage and commented on his behavior toward officials, saying, "I think a lot of it's performative. I think a lot of it's for attention."
DeChambeau previously spoke about McIlroy's treatment of him during The Masters at Augusta National and said that Rory did not say a single word to him as he went on to win his second Green Jacket.
