Brandel Chamblee launches fresh LIV Golf attack with Bryson DeChambeau exception

Brandel Chamblee Launches Fresh LIV Golf Attack, With Exception for Bryson DeChambeau

Golf Channel pundit Brandel Chamblee, known for his outspoken criticism of LIV Golf, has renewed his attack on the breakaway league. Chamblee has been a vocal detractor since LIV’s inception in 2022, criticizing the league’s Saudi Arabian financial backing due to the country’s poor human rights record, as well as questioning the format and quality of play.

In his latest critique, Chamblee highlighted the lackluster performance of LIV golfers at this year’s major tournaments, with Bryson DeChambeau being the notable exception. DeChambeau had a standout year, winning the US Open and finishing second at the PGA Championship, drawing increased fan admiration with his passionate and charismatic performances.

However, other prominent LIV golfers like Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson failed to make an impact at the majors this season. Chamblee attributes their struggles to their involvement with LIV Golf.

“With the exception of DeChambeau, not one LIV player managed a top-five finish in a major in 2024,” Chamblee posted on X. “Bryson is undoubtedly one of the most compelling figures in the game, and his newfound engagement with fans was a highlight of the major season. But overall, LIV players were a huge disappointment in the 2024 majors.

“It’s a relatively small sample size given LIV has been active for less than three years, but it’s safe to say that LIV Golf has been detrimental to the competitiveness of their careers at the highest level.

“While several LIV players are missed from the upper echelons of the game from a spectacle standpoint, there is little evidence that events are substantially compromised competitively by their absence. Or, for that matter, that the world rankings are significantly skewed given the decline in most LIV players’ performances.”

Chamblee’s critiques of LIV Golf have previously been met with strong rebuttals, notably from Anthony Kim. Kim, who made a return to professional golf after a 12-year hiatus to join LIV, has exchanged barbs with Chamblee on social media, calling the former PGA Tour winner a “talentless fool.”

Responding to Chamblee’s latest remarks, one follower pointed out that LIV players have financially benefited from joining the league. Chamblee acknowledged this but argued that the financial gains might not be as substantial as they seem after taxes, management fees, lost endorsements, and the lack of competitive buzz. He noted, “None of them could properly prepare for links golf the week before The Open because they had to play a LIV event in Spain,” underscoring the challenges LIV players face in maintaining top-level performance.

Chamblee remains steadfast in his belief that LIV Golf’s impact has been largely negative, with the notable exception of DeChambeau’s remarkable season.