Opinion & Analysis
Talking to Your Kids About Brandel: A Parent’s Guide
The 2018 season promises to be a wild one. For starters, there’s Tiger. There’s drug testing. And if Jason Day stays healthy, we’ll probably see some “back stopping” controversies come up. But the big issue for a lot of parents this year is, “How can I talk to my kids about Brandel Chamblee?”
For the uninformed, Chamblee is the polarizing analyst in the golf business and a longtime analyst for Golf Channel. His opinions make Johnny Miller look like a Switzerland. If you just now had to google his name to see who we’re talking about here, no doubt you just said to yourself, “Oh, that guy.” At any rate, a conversation with your kids about that guy might sound something like this:
Um, Dad? Where did this guy come from? Can he play?
Absolutely. He was an All-American in college at Texas and played on PGA Tour for well over a decade. The guy also won on the PGA Tour, which is not easy. Maybe he wasn’t a household name, but he made more than a little bit of change and certainly doesn’t have to apologize for his career.
Are you sure, Dad? Seems like he does a lot of infomercials.
Listen, kids…We’ve all gotta keep the pool warm. You’ll understand one day. Making an infomercial doesn’t make you a sellout. It just means someone who wants to market their product believes that the public trusts and respects you and Brandel’s earned that respect. He’s a successful author and astute analyst, so if he’s telling you he’s got the keys to the kingdom and all it takes is 60 days and $299.99, people are going to buy in to that dream.
What’s the deal with him being so combative with Duval and Nobilo?
Brandel’s a passionate guy. Duval and Nobilo are in the studio and on Live From because they’re well-spoken professionals who have won multiple events and viewers like them. They know the deal. Chamblee, meanwhile, is also well-spoken but is primarily there because he’s all over the data and video. You may get the impression that he takes runs at his co-hosts on air because he never got a real chance on the course, but the guy absolutely knows his stuff. He may not have time for other people’s stuff, but his stuff he knows well.
Does Brandel hang out with Nobilo and Duval after work?
I’ll put it this way; if Duval, Nobilo and Chamblee were on a ship lost at sea for a few weeks, I’d bet anything the coast guard would eventually find Duval and Nobilo together. Meanwhile, Brandel will likely have built his own personal survival craft in a very upright fashion that he propels thanks to the tremendous rotation he gets rotating his thoracic muscles while the Vs in his oar grip are pointing to his right shoulder.
Why is he so mad at Tiger all the time?
This is where it gets tricky. I think it’s because he loves golf. He has a deep passion for the history of the game and I think he feels like Tiger’s a big part of it and has an obligation to it. So when Tiger took an illegal drop at the Masters in 2013, it was Chamblee who wanted to address it immediately out of a respect for the game. Nobody else — not CBS, not Golf Channel, not even Augusta’s rules committee — saw the situation for what it was: an infraction, albeit unintentional.
Chamblee was right and there have been subsequent rules incidents involving Mr. Woods. He also has issues with Tiger’s swing changes, which is a little ridiculous since he has no idea how Tiger feels physically. It’s kind of like Conan O’Brien telling Eddie Vedder what to feel as he’s writing songs. Does Brandel take cheap shots at Tiger? Probably. But I think he knows that without Tiger, he wouldn’t have the stage he currently does.
Did he play center for the Georgetown Hoyas back in the day?
No, no, no. You’re thinking of Dikimbe Motumbo. Brandel is also known for his blocks, but they are of a different variety. While you might think an analyst of Chamblee’s ilk would openly welcome a dialogue with other coaches and professionals, an inordinately high number of people seem to have been blocked from social media discussions. In Chamblee’s defense, he’s all for discussion provided it’s civil…and people can get emotional when talking about the golf swing. Brandel’s not having that. So if you’re going to try and take it to the rim on Mr. Chamblee, come hard and clean or you will be blocked and rejected like so many Big East power forwards before you.
Dad, what’s with all the big words he uses on Twitter?
One wonders if the circuitous and meandering paths his admonitions and reprimands travel to reach their ultimate destination speak to an unexpressed inadequacy.
Dad, he just kind of looks like a jerk. Is he?
Don’t judge a book by its cover, son. He’s a good dude. I sat next to him at Mastro’s a few years ago in Scottsdale and he was pleasant to both fans that approached him. I’ve seen other stars in similar settings and many of them would do well to follow Brandel’s classy example.
The bottom line is this; Brandel Chamblee is entertaining, smart and you can learn a tremendous amount from his writing, analysis and commentary. He’s far more than a talking head; he’s the real deal. Sure, he’s a little aloof and quirky, but everybody’s got their something. I say Brandel’s good for golf and deserves your attention.
This past Monday, I played in the U.S. Amateur local qualifier at Rock Creek Country Club in Portland, Oregon. A full tee sheet from 7:30 a.m. to 1:55 p.m., the top 11 scores would make it to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying.
I teed off at 10:48 a.m.. With the 7:30 am tee time, you can get a feel for the leaders’ pace, and they were off and running on the challenging setup at Rock Creek.
View this post on Instagram
Getting to the highlight of the round on the par five 17th, a drive up the left side and 212 yards left to the front hole location. I took out a 5-iron with plans of middle of the green. The ball ended up 8 feet left of the hole, pin high. A slight downhill putt dropped in for an eagle 3 on the 17th. With the cut line looking to be anywhere from -2 to even par. This was the boost I had been waiting for all day.
With making par from the trees on 18, it was time to wait for a potential playoff with a posted score of one under par 71.
Three hours later, it was playoff time. 8 players for 6 spots. I made par on the playoff hole, which was good enough to advance to the U.S. Amateur final qualifying in July. USGA qualifiers sure deliver on all of the emotions in golf!
Club Junkie
Building my 2026 gamer WITB: Ranking the contenders and new putter projects – Club Junkie Podcast
The annual What’s In The Bag build is underway, and on this episode of Club Junkie, Brian breaks down the clubs currently leading the race for a spot in his 2026 gamer setup. From drivers and fairway woods to irons, wedges, and shafts, he ranks the equipment that’s performing best and explains what’s separating the front runners from the rest of the field.
Brian also heads into the workshop to discuss several putter projects currently on the bench. From head options and shaft choices to build ideas and testing plans, he shares what he’s working on and which putters could become serious contenders for the bag this season.
If you’re a gear junkie who loves equipment testing, club building, and the never-ending pursuit of the perfect setup, this episode is for you.
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Club Junkie
Tour Edge Exotics mini driver review + TaylorMade Spider ZT Max first look – Club Junkie
On this episode of Club Junkie, I put the new Tour Edge Exotics Mini Driver to the test and break down the performance, forgiveness, distance, and where it fits compared to a traditional driver or strong fairway wood. If you have been curious about adding a mini driver to the bag, this one is worth a look.
I also dive into the new TaylorMade Spider ZT Max putter that was recently spotted and discuss the growing zero torque putter trend. Plus, there is a closer look at the new Project X Titan Yellow shaft showing up on the PGA Tour and what makes it different from other profiles currently out there.
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Sean
Dec 1, 2017 at 6:42 pm
An air of self-righteous arrogance is his trademark. He’s an entertainer……a skilled self-promoter honing the “brand” in Brandel. Can’t fault him for that.
Laz Versalles
Dec 2, 2017 at 12:20 am
When I read “An air of self-righteous arrogance is his trademark.” I immediately thought, “how does this guy know me?” But then I realized you meant Mr. Chamblee. Thanks for reading, Sean.
Tom54
Dec 1, 2017 at 5:50 pm
I thought it was a perfect description of Brandel Chamblee. I believe him way more than Frank Nobilo but Duval certainly has more to say when it comes to having been a top notch player. You got to admit when that three some starts engaging in a topic with different viewpoints it makes for interesting viewing. I think the writer summed up who Brandel Chamblee is even for those of us who do know who he is. Well written indeed
Laz Versalles
Dec 2, 2017 at 10:52 pm
Thank you, Tom. For what it’s worth, I see Duval as a great- and I mean great- combination of player and analyst. His honest and frank views on Rory towards the end of last year were spot on.
saveva
Dec 1, 2017 at 5:09 pm
lol hilarious
Bob Jones
Dec 1, 2017 at 4:15 pm
Brandel’s point of view is always worth hearing. What gets me is his always having to have the last word when people don’t agree with him. Just tell us what you think, Brandel, then move on. Your thoughts are opinions, not Facts Received From Above.
HDTVMAN
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:17 pm
When is NBC-Golf Channel going to wake up and fire this jerk. Bones would be a perfect studio replacement when he’s not on the course.
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:23 pm
I think they like having a polarizing figure. He’s like the Yankees but without all the championships, money, prestige, history, talent, and clout.
Leftshot
Dec 1, 2017 at 11:36 am
Brandel is a former player who is unaware of where his expertise begins and ends. He’s the perfect example of a kid who grew up and never learned how to play nice with the other kids.
Kondo
Dec 1, 2017 at 11:27 am
In time we will see that Chamblee is actually correct in most of his ideas concerning the swing. He was a better playing in college than the tour. He wanted to get better and took modern instruction and changed his swing to what is now the modern swing. He knows what it did to his game coming from a classic swing. With the evolution of swing to what it is now is reckless at best. Why not emulate the greats of the past? After watching Tiger yesterday and hearing all the ohhs and ahhs about his new swing and speed sounds like Jack’s record is in danger. Actually, Tiger didn’t change what hurt him and I hope I am wrong, but further injury is on the way. No one moves the needle like Tiger does and that makes guys like Chamblee, Duval and Nabilo have jobs. Just my 2 cents.
Allen Freeman
Dec 1, 2017 at 11:12 am
Nicely written Laz!
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:26 pm
Thanks so much Allen.
jd57
Dec 1, 2017 at 9:24 am
So you think that it’s more likely that a pro is going to aim for another players ball instead of the cup? If they can accurately aim for another ball, why wouldn’t they use that accuracy and aim for the cup?
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:20 pm
They don’t aim for the ball, they aim for the cup. But by having the other player not mark their ball which is just past the hole or pin high, your ball has a *chance* to hit a “backstop” – the other ball.
alanp
Dec 1, 2017 at 12:23 am
quite possibly the best “article” i have ever read here on golfwrx. well done!!
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:25 pm
Alan- thank you! There are so many great articles on golfwrx, that means a lot. Frankly I think this is my third best of the three I have on golfwrx, but THANK YOU! That made my day.
Tim
Nov 30, 2017 at 8:26 pm
With this kind of writing you could be the “chief golf correspondent” on The Daily Show, loved it! Bring us more of this!
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:32 pm
Tim, Thanks man. I love the daily show! Check out my other two articles on golfwrx.
emb
Nov 30, 2017 at 5:20 pm
Seems like Brandel comes off as overcompensating and extremely insecure/defensive of his opinions when on air with Nobilo and Duval. It’s like they’re the “players” with the tour experience and insight and Brandel is just the analyst trying to fit in with them and prove his opinons matter or have as much relevancy. Obviously Brandel had a better career than 99.9% of players but his resume pales in comparison to Frank’s and especially David’s and this gives him some sort of chip on his shoulder. Overall he provides fairly good insight sometimes but too often defends opinions that he states as facts that are patently wrong. I think he needs work choosing which hills to die on as often times his incessant defence of his opinions appears foolish and frankly embarrassing. At least he seems to be trying to backtrack on his insane Tiger hate.
mike
Nov 30, 2017 at 4:17 pm
Chamblee won the Greater Vancouver open. Slighly better than the Texas Truck stop invitational.
He should quick trying to act like he was a better player than he was.
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:31 pm
I mean….He won? That means he WON. My friend and I were talking last night about how hard it is to win anything that is 36 holes or more. It’s hard, man. And you don’t play golf at Texas just because you have good hair. That’s a tough squad to get playing time. Always has been.
Golfwhiler
Nov 30, 2017 at 8:17 am
His book is bloody brilliant (“The Anatomy of Greatness”). His insights into the illustration errors in Ben Hogan’s “Five Lessons” are alone worth the price of the book.
That said, I don’t watch the Golf Channel. If I have time to watch golf on TV, I’m usually trying to play a round.
JE
Nov 30, 2017 at 5:28 am
This is a well-written, interesting read. Nice work Mr. Versalles.
Laz Versalles
Nov 30, 2017 at 1:00 pm
Thank you!
Jerry
Nov 30, 2017 at 3:41 am
Brandel is not exactly a teacher or technician of the swing, and it gets him in trouble with Swing Gurus who teach PGA pros for a living. They don’t talk the talk, they walk the walk. Brandel talks.
yoduto
Nov 30, 2017 at 12:23 am
In Greek mythology, there is a story about Sisyphus pushing a big rock up a hill only to have it roll back down over and over again. Likewise, what seems like a laborious and futile effort on our part to achieve an important goal, are carefully designed exercises by golf sources to teach you an important lesson in the building of your character. An epiphany will bring a penetrating insight into a matter of vital importance.
Laz Versalles
Dec 1, 2017 at 5:22 pm
Gorgeous.
Bob
Nov 29, 2017 at 9:44 pm
I must confess I’m no fan. I think the main problem with Brandel is how arrogant he comes across. He seems more interested in sounding smart and appearing intellectual than being frank and honest (hence why he loves using words that the majority of people don’t understand). It is also why he blocks people who disagree with him. I love honest views, good opinions and debate not intellectual grandstanding.
Laz Versalles
Nov 29, 2017 at 11:34 pm
I think you just summarized the entire OpEd! Nice job. Anyways, you’re not wrong. He comes across that way. If you listen to him on Dan Patrick he’s a little better but still comes across as a little aloof and stuffy.
walter
Nov 30, 2017 at 12:25 am
Our Brandel Trump…..
Mike
Nov 29, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Brandel is bias, which makes his analysis questionable. For example, when Brandel needs attention he will post or say something controversial and/or negative about TW or Rory his two favorite targets. Whether he’s right or wrong, Brandel has a hidden agenda and a lot of the pros know it, which is why he’s in the studio often and not on the range building relationships with pros.
Laz Versalles
Nov 29, 2017 at 11:40 pm
You’re not wrong Mike. Be honest, would you have written that had the Billy Hoershel spat not surfaced? As I tried to point out, he’s got his way” and leans on it heavily.
walter
Nov 30, 2017 at 12:26 am
Somewhat like Trump?
Acemandrake
Nov 29, 2017 at 6:58 pm
“And if Jason Day stays healthy, we’ll probably see some “back stopping” controversies come up.”
What does this mean/refer to?
Laz Versalles
Nov 29, 2017 at 7:23 pm
http://golfweek.com/2017/10/18/backstopping-is-it-a-problem-and-how-should-it-be-addressed/
Acemandrake
Nov 29, 2017 at 9:02 pm
Thank you for the link but I’m still not getting the Jason Day connection.
Is he particularly known (famous/infamous?) for doing this? I want to say yes but I’m not sure.
Thanks
Laz Versalles
Nov 29, 2017 at 11:31 pm
He was chewed out pretty good last weekend by the analyst working the Aussie Open.
Acemandrake
Nov 30, 2017 at 9:02 am
Thank you, Mr. Versalles!
Hawkeye77
Nov 29, 2017 at 6:52 pm
Wow, someone hasn’t been paying attention for 8 years. Brandel absolutely dislikes Tiger, and no, it didn’t stem from the incident at the Masters (where Brandel was WRONG and was a complete jerk about it on air and got called out by his co-workers) – he has been on Tiger’s case since 2009 and made his major career move kicking Tiger while he was down and doing it repeatedly. Then the cheating accusations which he was forced to dial back. He’s tried the last few years to be “balanced” about Tiger, but he can’t hide from his body of work for several years as much as he now tries to do so. And no, he doesn’t “know his stuff” he just is overbearing about it, and his ability to diagnose golf swings is pretty poor. You can see Nobilo and Duval seething from time to time because of Brandel’s know it all attitude and often strange claims (just to be strange) – he may be a good guy off air and clearly is an intelligent person, but make no mistake he’s invented himself and is pretty proud of what he has invented. Silly article.
Hawkeye77
Nov 29, 2017 at 10:12 pm
LOL, now my comment is awaiting “moderation” – nothing inappropriate about it at all.
The Wiz
Nov 29, 2017 at 4:16 pm
Chamblee is an underachieving fool. I wouldn’t allow my children to listen to this idiot.
the dude
Nov 29, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Fool?….what makes him a fool. if anything, the other individuals that know less than he does are the real fools……oh…and he’s an idiot?….how? (seriously, this site should require a minimum age to share opinions……..lets say 9)
At the end of the day this guy educates and entertains…….period
now get your homework done, brush your teeth and have mommy tuck you in……
Laz Versalles
Nov 29, 2017 at 7:29 pm
Hmmm. Underachiever? All-American, PGA Tour winner, author. Not too bad.
Matt-78
Dec 1, 2017 at 1:40 pm
I do sometimes disagree with Brandel and he can definitely rub me the wrong way sometimes, but underachiever he is not.