“Open Champion Xander Schauffele Accused of ‘Abusing’ New Rule: Is This Cheating?”

English tour pro Eddie Pepperell has criticized Open champion Xander Schauffele for allegedly misusing a recent golf rule change. The rule in question, amended in 2019, allows players to repair any damage on the green, including spike marks, ball marks, and animal damage.

Pepperell claims Schauffele frequently taps down spike marks within three feet of the hole, marks which Pepperell insists “simply cannot be there.” While discussing this on the podcast “The Chipping Forecast,” Pepperell emphasized that he wasn’t accusing Schauffele of cheating but felt the rule was being abused.

“I’ve noticed how often Schauffele taps down spike marks that aren’t actually there,” Pepperell said. “The rule change was intended to address genuine damage, but I believe it’s being exploited.”

Pepperell elaborated that the rule change, which he never supported, is now being used in ways that were not intended. “If you watch Schauffele closely, he puts significant pressure on the ground with his putter on putts inside three feet,” he explained. “This goes beyond just tapping down a spike mark.”

Despite his criticism, Pepperell acknowledged Schauffele’s skill, predicting that he would continue to win major championships as he is “the complete player.” He also noted that Schauffele seems to be one of the few players who is particularly meticulous about this practice.

Pepperell clarified that he did not believe Schauffele was violating the rules or that it was impacting his tournament victories. “I think he would still win without doing this, but it’s something you don’t see other players doing as often,” he remarked.

In response to the suggestion that Schauffele’s actions might be a habit, Pepperell described it as a “strange habit.”

Schauffele recently secured the 2024 Open Championship in a decisive victory, having already won the PGA Championship at Valhalla earlier in the year. He held off a strong challenge from England’s Justin Rose to claim the claret jug. Following his win, Schauffele shared an emotional moment, revealing that his caddie had said he was on the verge of being sick as they approached the final hole with a three-shot lead.

Schauffele addressed his critics during his winner’s press conference, reaffirming his status as a top competitor in the sport.