“I’ve never been a big fan” – Scheffler reacts to McIlroy’s “personal jabs” at DeChambeau

Scottie Scheffler has shared his thoughts on Rory McIlroy’s criticism of Bryson DeChambeau following the dramatic fallout at The Open, admitting he has never been a fan of “personal jabs” in golf.

The World No.1 is preparing to make his first ever appearance at the 3M Open this week, just days after finishing tied fourth at Royal Birkdale, but much of the pre-tournament discussion in Minnesota focused on the controversy that surrounded DeChambeau during golf's final major of the season.

While Ryan Fox ultimately etched his name on the Claret Jug, the biggest talking point from the week came during Friday’s second round when DeChambeau was hit with a two-shot penalty after officials ruled that he had inadvertently improved the area of his intended swing in the rough on the par-4 5th..

The incident led to a lengthy review by R&A officials, with the final decision taking more than an hour to reach. 

DeChambeau was visibly frustrated by the ruling and even suggested he could withdraw from the championship as a result. 

His decision to wait until late Friday before confirming whether he would continue caused further disruption, with third-round tee times delayed while organisers waited for clarity.

DeChambeau eventually returned for the weekend, but the situation sparked staunch criticism from McIlroy, who was asked about the incident after his third round.

“I won’t pretend to be up here and defend Bryson,” McIlroy told reporters at Birkdale. 

“I’m not particularly fond of him. I think a lot of it’s performative. I think a lot of it’s for attention.”

McIlroy also criticised DeChambeau for delaying his decision.

“To hold the tournament hostage like that, and to have all of us, players, volunteers, everyone waiting on him to depart, I didn’t feel like it was a great look.”

Watch McIlroy's comments in full here:

The comments immediately reignited discussion around the relationship between the two golf superstars, who have slowly developed one of the sport's most talked-about rivalries in recent years.

However, Scheffler offered a different take. 

The four-time major champion had already defended his Ryder Cup teammate during The Open on Sunday, insisting DeChambeau was “a lot of things but definitely not a cheater.”

Scheffler doesn't think rivalries in golf exist for this specific reason

Speaking ahead of his first ever 3M Open appearance, Scheffler was asked by a reporter to give his verdict on McIlroy’s “personal jabs” towards DeChambeau and whether golf rivalries really benefit the sport in 2026. 

The American explained he sees golf differently from many other sports because players are ultimately battling themselves and the course rather than directly trying to stop another competitor.

“I think golf’s different in a sense of a lot of other sports because my biggest rival week in and week out is the golf course that we’re playing,” Scheffler told reporters in the media centre at TPC Twin Cities on Wednesday.

“I could never stop somebody from doing anything in golf.

“When I played basketball there would always be rivalries because you’re going to play defence against a person and that is much more personal because I’m actively trying to stop what you’re doing.

“But in golf, we’re always competing against ourselves on the golf course.”

Scheffler then made his feelings clear on the nature of McIlroy’s criticism.

“I’ve never been a big fan of personal jabs,” he added.

“I don’t think that rivalry is a thing in golf just because, like I said, my biggest rivalry week in and week out is the golf course.”

Watch Scheffler's comments in full here: 

Scheffler backs DeChambeau despite McIlroy criticism

Scheffler’s comments continue a pattern of support for DeChambeau following the controversy at Royal Birkdale.

Although the pair represent different sides of professional golf, with DeChambeau competing on LIV Golf and Scheffler remaining one of the PGA Tour’s leading figures, the two have built a strong relationship through their Ryder Cup experiences.

The comments also highlight Scheffler’s belief that competition in golf should remain focused on performance rather than personal disputes.

Unlike sports such as basketball or football, where players directly battle opponents on every play, golfers compete against the course, conditions and their own execution.

For Scheffler, that is what makes golf unique.

Scheffler arrives at 3M Open looking for another victory

Despite the drama surrounding The Open, Scheffler’s focus quickly returns to his own season and getting another win on the board. 

The World No.1 is the biggest name in the field at TPC Twin Cities and is searching for his second PGA Tour victory of the year.

His only win of the 2026 season came at The American Express in January, but his form remains among the strongest on the PGA Tour.

Before heading to Scotland, Scheffler narrowly missed out in a playoff against Viktor Hovland at the Travelers Championship, recording his fourth runner-up finish of the season.

He then missed the cut at the Scottish Open — his first PGA Tour missed cut since August 2022 — before bouncing back with a tied-fourth finish during his title defence at The Open.

While his putting has been a recent concern, Scheffler’s overall game remains elite.

The American explained that his decision to play the 3M Open this week was largely down to scheduling. Rather than take a three-week break before the FedEx Cup Playoffs, Scheffler wanted to stay competitive and avoid losing momentum.

He also revealed he had heard positive feedback from fellow players about both the tournament and Minnesota, which encouraged him to make his debut despite a demanding run of events in the UK.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about this place from the guys,” Scheffler said.

Scheffler favourite heading into TPC Twin Cities

The bookmakers expect Scheffler to be the man to beat this week, with the 20-time PGA Tour winner priced as a red-hot 11/4 favourite ahead of Thursday’s opening round.

Our Editor and expert tipster Andy Roberts considers it's something of a penalty kick for the world's best golfer to win the 3M Open. 

After finishing inside the top five, and still leading the PGA Tour's strokes-gained total and tee-to-green categories, Scheffler enters the 3M Open with confidence and a chance to claim another title before the FedEx Cup Playoffs begin next month. Even with a cold putter. 

But away from his chances of victory, Scheffler's latest comments on McIlroy and DeChambeau provide a timely reminder of his own approach to competition.

One where rivalries should be built around performance — and not personal disputes.