The Open Championship is such an important event in the golfing community that all year round both golfers and spectators are eager to see who the winner is. The pressure at the 151st Open Championship this season is at its peak and any minor infarction at this point might set off the mood for the weekend.

Amid the stressful environment, golfers are always inclined to keep a steady mind to play their best shots. But it looks like a helpful comment might become a matter of inquiry for the defending champion.

Did they just commit a violation?

Round 2 at Hoylake is going as splendidly as it can. However, Xander Schauffele and defending champion Cameron Smith, seem to have exchanged a piece of information that could cause trouble for both.

At what appears to be hole 9, Schauffele is seen removing his glove with his teeth and passing Cam Smith on his way. The American golfer seemed to say something to the Australian pro, but it is uncertain what he said. It looked like Schauffele said six, and Smith is seen taking the shot next as per FlushingIt’s Tweet.

The context of the conversation is unknown. If the authorities call for an inquiry much like what happened with Brooks Koepka’s caddie Ricky Elliot and Gary Woodland’s caddie Brennan Little at the Augusta National this year, thing could take turn for the worse.

Although the formal inquiry cleared the golfers and their caddies of any infarction at the Masters according to Golf Monthly, it is hard to say if Schauffele and Smith will have a similar situation, provided if any regulations were breached at all.

Golfing fans are in a tizzy

Fans of the sport have already started speculating about the contents of the tweet. Based on the mouthing and simultaneous commentary without hearing the actual words spoken by Schauffele, the violation is speculation at best. Still, fans are expressing their reactions in many forms.

One fan spoke in support of the golfers, saying, “Throw him out of golf forever or give it up, this is as bad as the slob on his couch calling in a rules infraction.” While another admirer pointed out, “Sure did. Happens all the time.”

Throw him out of golf forever or give it up, this is as bad as the slob on his couch calling in a rules infraction.

— Michael 🇺🇸 Distinguished Fellow of Shankapotomi (@click4mrh) July 21, 2023

Sure did. Happens all the time.

— JTopp12 (@JoelTopping1) July 21, 2023

Another fan came to their rescue with a plausible explanation that, “Think Cam was just asking for the time,” while others defended with, “Think Cam asked what size sub-sandwich he wanted,” or “Nope, he called him sexy.”

Think Cam was just asking for the time

— 7th October 2021 (@InsaneHashtag) July 21, 2023

Nope, he called him Sexy

— Seán Webb (@seanwebb87) July 21, 2023

Think Cam asked what size sub-sandwich he wanted.

— War Damn DMV (@haloopka) July 21, 2023

Some fans openly expressed their distaste for those who are sitting at home and reporting the event to the officials. They wrote, “Really hate the arm chair fans who think their rules officials the games hard enough without somebody phoning in to report him.”

Really hate the arm chair fans who think their rules officials the games hard enough without somebody phoning in to report him 🤦

— rob (@stan31681) July 21, 2023

It is yet unknown what the fate of Xander Schauffele and Cameron Smith will be at the end of the event. However, it looks like fans are against any claims of breach on behalf of both pro golfers.

Do you think Schauffele shared his club selection with Smith? Do you think there should be an investigation or is it a misconception? Share your opinions with us in the comments below.

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