Scottie Scheffler has defended Bryson DeChambeau over his rules controversy at The Open, insisting the two-time US Open champion is "not a cheater." DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty at Royal Birkdale for improving his backswing line in long grass at the fifth hole, turning a bogey into a triple-bogey.

Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau's "performative" behavior during lengthy post-round discussions, though the R&A deemed the infraction unintentional. Scheffler, speaking after his tied-fourth finish, said: "I've known him for a long time... I've never seen him cheat once." He suggested DeChambeau was "a touch careless" but not intentional.

The world No 1 questioned whether stricter rules enforcement is needed, noting players on TV face more scrutiny. Scheffler narrowly missed becoming the first back-to-back Open winner since Padraig Harrington, bogeying the final hole to finish three strokes behind Ryan Fox. "It wasn't my week," he said, citing unlucky bounces.