Scottie Scheffler has distanced himself from Rory McIlroy’s outspoken criticism of Bryson DeChambeau, insisting he has little interest in personal feuds as golf’s biggest names continue to clash over the latest controversy at The Open.
The world No 1 was asked to address McIlroy’s remarks after DeChambeau was handed a two-shot penalty during the second round at Royal Birkdale, where officials ruled the LIV Golf star had improved the area around his ball while attempting to play from thick rough.
The decision sparked one of the biggest talking points of the championship, with McIlroy offering little sympathy for his long-time rival by suggesting DeChambeau’s behaviour was more about attracting attention than genuine frustration.
Scheffler, however, stopped short of endorsing those comments and made it clear he would rather keep any rivalries confined to the golf course.
“I’ve never been a big fan of personal jabs,” Scheffler said ahead of this week’s 3M Open.
“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.”
The three-time major champion believes golf is fundamentally different from sports where opponents directly compete against one another throughout a contest.
Using basketball as an example, Scheffler explained why he feels personal rivalries naturally develop elsewhere but are less relevant in professional golf.
Scottie Scheffler has distanced himself from Rory McIlroy’s outspoken criticism of Bryson DeChambeau, insisting he has little interest in personal feuds as golf’s biggest names continue to clash over the latest controversy at The Open
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“I felt like when I played basketball there would always be rivalries in basketball,” he added.
“Because you’re going to play defence against a person and that is much more personal in a sense like because I’m actively trying to stop [them].”
DeChambeau found himself at the centre of a storm on Friday after his ball settled in heavy rough on the par-four fifth hole during his second round.
Television replays appeared to show the American flattening grass close to his ball before playing his shot, prompting tournament officials to conclude he had improved the conditions affecting his swing.
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The resulting two-shot penalty dominated coverage throughout the afternoon, with broadcasters devoting significant airtime to analysing the rules decision.
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee strongly backed the ruling, accusing DeChambeau of “weed wacking” the area around the ball before taking his shot.
The incident also caused lengthy delays, with DeChambeau contesting the decision before eventually accepting the punishment.
Several players, including Justin Thomas and Marco Penge, later voiced frustration over the disruption to tee times.
McIlroy was among those who supported the officials’ verdict and delivered a pointed assessment of DeChambeau’s conduct.
“I think a lot of it’s performative,” McIlroy said.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau have a strained relationship
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“I think a lot of it’s for attention.”
The Northern Irishman also admitted he is “not particularly fond” of the LIV Golf star, adding another chapter to a relationship that has remained frosty for several years.
Their rivalry has already produced plenty of headlines, with DeChambeau previously revealing McIlroy did not speak to him during the final round of The Masters as the Northern Irishman secured his second Green Jacket.
Scheffler, though, seemingly has no desire to add fuel to the fire.
