Xander Schauffele Defends Bryson DeChambeau After Two-Shot Penalty at The Open

Xander Schauffele Defends Bryson DeChambeau After Two-Shot Penalty at The Open

Xander Schauffele has come to the defense of his rival Bryson DeChambeau after the American was handed a two-shot penalty at The Open Championship.

What happened?

DeChambeau was penalized after his second round at Royal Birkdale, where he was adjudged to have improved the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole. Understandably, DeChambeau attested his innocence at the time, but his score of seven-under was later reduced to five-under.

Why it matters for Xander Schauffele

Speaking from Royal Birkdale on Saturday, Schauffele said: "You know, I don't know the... I don't have social media, so I was wondering why our tee times weren't coming out at about 10:50 p.m. last night. I'm assuming that had something to do with it. It's a tough one. Who knows. I have no idea, to be honest."

Schauffele, who is also in contention for the title, praised DeChambeau's play despite the penalty. "I think the R&A said something along the lines of whether it's intentional or not, it's still a penalty," Schauffele said. "It's a tough spot to be, obviously, when you're in high brush, kind of having to dance around to get to your golf ball is a tricky thing. It's not something we're used to doing that often."

What comes next?

Schauffele, who had a front-row seat for DeChambeau's penalty, said he was surprised by the decision. "I'm assuming you talk to Bryson... I haven't spoken to him or heard what he said, but he's just stepping in how you'd normally step in to hit a golf shot," Schauffele said. "You imagine you give him the benefit of the doubt; he said he didn't do it intentionally, and it's unfortunate that he got penalized because he was playing incredibly well and obviously he's still playing incredibly well, so he's obviously going to have something to prove these next two days."

Schauffele, who has twice carded record-equalling 62s, praised Ryan Fox after his record-equalling 62 at The Open. "I mean, you'd take a 62 anywhere," Schauffele said. "If it's in a major it's a cherry on top. But on a Saturday it's even better. He came out hot. He was hitting it close, making the putts he should make."

Schauffele finished his third round with a four-under 66, which has him sitting on four-under for the tournament. He is in contention for the title, along with DeChambeau and Lucas Herbert.

The Open Championship continues on Sunday, with Schauffele and DeChambeau set to face off in the final round.

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