News
An instructor’s perspective on the Chamblee/Dufner Twitter controversy
If you have not had a chance to read the latest exchange on Twitter between Brandel Chamblee and Jason Dufner — and his teacher Chuck Cook — you have missed a wonderful controversy brewing. As you may know, Brandel is never one to hide his feelings on his views of the golf swing (he’s against The Golfing Machine teachings). And when people disagree with him (Jason Dufner), he’s not hesitant to tackle his opposition head on.
I’d like to take the time to weigh-in on what I feel should be focused on from an instruction standpoint, instead of what has been said on Twitter in this controversy.
Brandel’s side
First of all, I consider Brandel to be a friend of mine and he has been nothing but gracious to me during my professional career; though we have differing viewpoints on certain things. I have often called or emailed him, asking his opinion on one thing or another, and he has never failed to answer me. In fact, I love hearing what he has to say, even if it’s the opposite of what I feel personally and professionally — he hardly speaks without research to back it up. When you have the kind of stage he has, you must be armed with facts.
As we all know, Brandel is not a fan of the new breed of instruction. He prefers the old school methods, and clearly from his initial Tweet that sparked the entire controversy, he prefers an upright backswing. He is not a fan of most technologies used on the lesson tee, and he is very vocal regarding the Golfing Machine book and the Trackman launch monitor. While I hold both these things dear to me personally, I do understand how he could not be as convinced as I am of their successes within the game.
People must understand his opinion is a matter of perspective, and though he has this perspective as a player, and as a player-turned-teacher, he does not have the thousands and thousands of hours on the lesson tee. This does not make him right or wrong, it just gives him a different viewpoint.
Dufner’s side
As a teacher myself, I admire Dufner’s rise to fame and to the top ranks as a player, and I applaud him for doing so in spite of the odds and the drama that has gone on within his personal life over the last few years. I am proud to see him step up on a public forum and defend Chuck Cook (his long time teacher) on this Twitter thread. It is refreshing to see! Though I don’t know Jason, I’d like to shake his hand for doing so. My biggest gripe with Tour Professionals, in general, is their failure to stand by their instructors when things are not going well.
The last time I saw a player defending his teacher this adamantly was in a text string I had with Kevin Kisner (who is a great guy and friend) and John Tillery (his teacher and also a friend), who was not picked as one of the Top-100 Teachers on the latest list by Golf Magazine. As I told Kevin and John, it is a matter of time before he is recognized by Golf Magazine. The lists are subjective and many things go into the selection process; they make good choices and other times they make mistakes. John is a heck of a teacher and will always be Top 100 in my book! So kudos to Jason and Kevin for standing up for their guys…they both deserve it 100 percent.
Chuck Cook’s side
How Chuck was dragged into the middle of this whole controversy is beyond me, because he is one of the nicest and most soft-spoken guys. I also consider him the top-1 percent of teachers within our business. Chuck was in Vail for many years while I was also teaching there, and we have been on many outings together. He has been nothing but professional to all of us and anyone he comes into contact with personally. When someone questions him or his ability to teach at the highest levels, I can only say look at the two U.S. Open Champs he has taught, as well as what he’s done with countless other people within the game of golf. He is a smart and stand-up guy and deserves nothing but respect from all of us.
Chuck, I wish I could be HALF the teacher and person you are and have always been! That is a fact.
The Golfing Machine
Now, we could write an entire article series on the book I call my bible within the golfing world. However, 99 percent of the people in the world call it a “method,” or too complex, although every top teacher uses its methodologies within their instruction. It is ONLY an encyclopedia of motion — that’s it. It tells you what will and will not work together during the swing. What the book lacks has been the proper messenger to get the word across and that blame is only on timing. That’s not a knock on the past teachers who have used it or the players on Tour who have employed it.
Homer’s great book was born in 1969, and sadly the world would not be ready to hear these type of ideas in this type of format until now. And, like anything, it has been grossly misunderstood. The book and teachings have been chastised and will continue to be until a few more generations realize the greatness of what is contained within its pages. Only time will help our cause.
The Conclusion
Its all good… it’s not a big deal people! Please understand we ALL come from different places within the game and have our own opinions based on our perspective. Remember that these are all subject to change and can at any time. Every one of the people in that string of Tweets have their own agenda to promote and have the basis to call themselves great in what they do for a living. As long as we all have a drink and a laugh together at the end of the day, I see no harm in a gentleman’s disagreement between friends as long as nothing was done out of malice.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Jack
Dec 22, 2017 at 2:08 am
How is Brandel a teacher? He’s a full time TV personality and a former pro who didn’t do much. Impressive still but not sure why he’s qualified to teach people.
david
Dec 17, 2017 at 4:06 pm
Tom I gave you a shank, and it hasn’t been the first time. You sat on the fence on this one and didn’t have the apparent guts to tell us how you really felt, I guess if you’re afraid to because someone in question is your friend, you shouldn’t be writing articles. Sorry this one was worse than a shank, it was a wimp!!!
MikeyB
Dec 14, 2017 at 6:42 am
Well where’s the parade of Symetra and Web.com players that Brandel has whipped into top 100 player ranking status in only 60 days using Tathata Golf???? It’s ok, I’ll wait for you to post the list…..*crickets*
Michael
Dec 13, 2017 at 7:13 pm
Any media guy who puts himself out there and who is going to act all righteous and arrogant over someone else’s use of strong language and use that as an excuse to cut off the conversation is worthless. Chamblee’s behavior for many years is all the justification that’s required.
HDTVMAN
Dec 13, 2017 at 6:23 pm
EVERY GOLFER I KNOW…EVERYONE…has stopped watching The Golf Channel studio shows when Chamblee is on. He is disliked by EVERYONE I know, he is a golf FAILURE, won once (Putt-Putt Championship in Podunkville), is an absolute zero, and should be fired. We would all like to see him replaced by “Bones” when he isn’t on location doing a tournament. Hey NBC/Universal/Comcast?Golf Channel, fire this idiot!
DG
Dec 13, 2017 at 5:06 pm
Love to see someone put The Golfing Machine into an order without all the cross referencing, in other words write it in layman’s terms.
On Chamblee, he has a podium and states his view in a very outspoken manner. He needs to realize that there is not one way to skin a cat.
fred
Dec 13, 2017 at 8:43 pm
TGM is total rubbish written by a fraud. Homer is not an engineer and his science is wrong.
Roscoe B.
Dec 13, 2017 at 4:38 pm
OK, I am a GOLF -WRX Junkie, and don’t miss much golf related media in US. In this case, “Tom, you owe me 5 minutes of my life back!” I mean, what did you actually say? You vaguely told us you like Chuck Cook and you consider Brandel a friend. What exactly do you consider your “perspective” that you shared with the reader as per the headline?
Harold W. Haldeman
Dec 13, 2017 at 1:57 pm
If A argue heads while B argues tails, each invested in the result, A and B will be at odds interminably. Rather, agree that the coin is useful for decision-making only if it has both. The golf swing coin is physiology and physics. Whichever side comes up when you flip it, talent changes the result; that is, the individual’s in-born nature to, and instructor-nurtured eye-hand-body coordination to, strike that damn little sphere to obtain the desired result. The best instructors don’t fool with talent, and, with us, the innumerable untalented, use whatever means the instructor finds we can understand to achieve a swing we can repeat with reasonable, albeit marginal, success — dealing, in both cases, with variable physiologies. When in the history of the game has anyone agreed on the proper method? There isn’t one. The pros, including the parties to the current contretemps, prove that every time they take a club back. Golf’s industry of equipment manufacturers, its legions of instructors, owe their livelihood to it. Imagine the result if everyone agreed and everyone swung that way.
Steve S
Dec 14, 2017 at 9:10 am
I’ve been looking at pros swings for the last few years and they are mostly different except at the point of impact. If you look at stop action of all the great ball strikers you’ll see that they are all virtually in the same position. Because of this the key to a good swing is RELIABLY getting to that impact position no matter how you do it. That is what all players and teachers should focus on based on your flexibility, body type, strength, joint damage, etc. NOT what someone thinks is the best way to swing the club. There is no ONE best way…..
Andrew Cooper
Dec 14, 2017 at 10:41 am
Yes, but impact is a result of what’s gone before. A functionally sound swing will create a sound impact position, an unsound swing won’t. From the top of backswing to impact is less than 0.2 seconds, you simply can’t consciously put yourself into a pro impact position if what’s gone before wasn’t any good. You can’t fake it. So much of what happens once the downswing starts is reaction and compensation, at all levels e.g. Start down steeply, you’ll have to stand up and/or release early. Or get your arms stuck behind the body and you’ll have to stall the body and flip your hands and arms through impact. Knowing where you’re trying to get to is important, but you have to also have an idea of how to get there.
stevek
Dec 14, 2017 at 2:38 pm
So what you are implying is that the golf swing is a series of compensations and adjustments, until you reach impact position where it all straightens out?
Andrew Cooper
Dec 14, 2017 at 5:43 pm
Stevek, absolutely a golf swing is a series of compensations and adjustments. It’s working out how to balance it to make it effective and avoiding doing anything catastrophically bad. Any really poor impact position though will be the result of something really bad preceding it.
Bob Jones
Dec 13, 2017 at 10:51 am
Regarding The Golfing Machine: I have a copy that I try to read from time to time. The book suffers because Kelley was not much of a writer; I won’t go into that. But what really disappoints me is that I cannot find where he says, “If you do X, then don’t do A. Do B instead.” There is the general hitter list and swinger list, but there is much more in the book than what is on those lists, and where does all of that fit in? There has to be something I’m not seeing, and I don’t think I’m alone.
fred
Dec 13, 2017 at 8:41 pm
TGM is total rubbish and Homer was a fraud. Only the gullible will try to make something out of it. It’s a total scam.
SK
Dec 14, 2017 at 2:45 pm
TGM was evaluated by a scientific expert with a doctorate degree in biomechanics who has researched and published technical papers on the golf swing, and his judgment was that TGM had an error on every page. Also the definitions of a ‘swinger’ and ‘hitter’ are unrealistic.
Ron
Dec 13, 2017 at 10:44 am
While I agree with your final comment about having a drink together and no harm done from a “gentleman’s disagreement”, Dufner took it outside the realm of a gentleman’s disagreement with his arrogant profane comments. And then continued to act like a teenager by proudly celebrating the fact that Chamblee blocked him. What people don’t realize it that acting like he did weakens his argument. I lost a lot of respect for Dufner. Good for Chamblee for being the bigger person. And this has nothing to do with whose opinions were right or wrong.
Sherwin
Dec 13, 2017 at 11:20 am
I feel the opposite. Brandel looks weak. It was easier for him to block Jason than defend his opinion.
Ron
Dec 13, 2017 at 2:11 pm
It’s difficult to defend your opinion when someone tells you to shut your Fing mouth. It’s best not even to feed into that type of banter any further. I’ve seen Brandel defend his opinions many times on TV. I don’t think he would have had a problem having a civilized discussion with Jason Dufner.
M-Herd4
Dec 13, 2017 at 1:30 pm
I agree with your comment Ron. I’m not a huge Chamblee fan but in this case I think he did the right thing. Dufner needs to act like the 40 year old professional adult he is and not some foul mouthed immature younger version of himself.
Tom
Dec 13, 2017 at 8:33 am
Chamblee is an idiot
NormW
Dec 13, 2017 at 1:44 pm
Thanks, Tom. Very constructive.
stevek
Dec 14, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Homer is an idiot too… TGM… Totally Gullible Men