Scottie Scheffler gets bad bounces and a big break. It adds to a close call at British Open
Scheffler received a free drop after officials ruled his ball was near temporary grandstands, a decision that fueled debate but did not affect the finish.
- On Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Scottie Scheffler's bid to defend his Open Championship title ended amid controversy when a 17th-hole ruling involving a Temporary Immovable Obstruction triggered widespread debate.
- After his 17th-hole drive veered toward hospitality tents, Scheffler received a free drop 94 yards from the hole following a complex search near spectator structures. The ruling granted him a clear path toward the green.
- Critics argued the ruling rewarded a poor shot, though officials maintained they applied the Rules of Golf correctly. Fans flooded social media questioning how a ball so far offline could receive free relief, with commentators expressing surprise.
- Scheffler finished with a 3-under 67, tying for fourth behind winner Ryan Fox at the Open Championship. He reflected that holes 13 and 14 "really hurt," noting his inability to advance the ball cost him the title.
- The finish marks the end of the 2026 men's major championship season without a trophy for Scheffler, who now faces an eight-month wait for the next major after failing to replicate his Claret Jug victory from last year.
34 Articles
34 Articles
No majors for Scottie Scheffler in 2026 after late push at Open - Regional Media News
For the first time since 2023, the men's major championship season has come and gone without Scottie Scheffler lifting a trophy. The World No. 1 posted a 3-under-par 67 in one last push Sunday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, but he was already out of the running at the Open Championship when he finished the week at 7 under, ultimately tying Englishman Tommy Fleetwood for fourth. Cameron Young had already posted the clubhouse lead at 9 under before …
Associated Press News
Scottie Scheffler gets bad bounces and a big break. It adds to a close call at British Open
Scottie Scheffler wasted a great tee-to-green week at the British Open with so many missed putts. What the world's No. 1 player will remember about Royal Birkdale are a few untimely bounces.
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No majors for Scottie Scheffler in 2026 after late push at Open
For the first time since 2023, the men's major championship season has come and gone without Scottie Scheffler lifting a trophy. The World No. 1 posted a 3-under-par 67 in one last push Sunday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club, but he was already out of the...
Golf World Harshly Criticizes R&A as Scottie Scheffler Gets Baffling TIO Relief at The Open
A temporary immovable obstruction, or TIO, relief decision on the 17th of the final round of the Open sparked an immediate backlash from golf fans on Sunday. Scottie Scheffler had just rolled a birdie on the 16th to reach 7-under on the leaderboard, clawing his way back into contention on the back nine at Royal Birkdale. The world No. 1 then watched his tee shot on the par-5 17th sail offline, prompting a shout of frustration. What actually happ…
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