News
Chamblee and McCord join forces with Tathata Golf
Former PGA Tour professionals and current analysts Brandel Chamblee and Gary McCord are throwing their weight behind a new golf training program, Tathata Golf. They’ll begin appearing in ads for the company some time this summer.
And a point of note: the two are unpaid spokespeople.
The program’s creator, Brian Hepler, says Tathata was inspired by elements of martial arts, the best golfers in history and elite athletes.
If this all sounds a tad too specious and New Agey, here’s a breakdown of what Tathata is all about.
The company was founded by the aforementioned Mr. Hepler in 2011 and is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. Its mission is “to help golfers and instructors everywhere become their greatness through unique practices designed to build strength within their golf game as well as their total life.”
As you might expect, a significant part of the Tathata training is mental. Hepler describes this element as “a curriculum, a path, and a truth … to quiet the golfer’s mind.” Reportedly, the program contains elements of neuro-linguistic programming and attempts to move past traditional sports psychology.
Regarding chipping, putting, and the other facets of the game, Hepler says, “We’ve gone through each position of the golf swing … and created a path for the golfer.” This “path” will be accessible to consumers in mid-June when the company rolls out its 60-day in-home training program, which, incidentally, Chamblee and McCord have both gone through.
While we’ll have to wait to see what”becoming your greatness” means in practice, it’s clear that Brandel Chamblee is a believer in the system. As he said:
“I’m not here for the money. I’m here for one thing and one thing only … I believe in what Bryan teaches. I’ve watched the best players in the world, I’ve studied them and there is something missing in the world of instruction today. There are commonalities that the greatest players have had that are being missed … what he is doing is correcting golf instruction”
The company’s Tathata Golf Certified Training Program is intended to help instructors distill complicated swing mechanics in a simple fashion, and thus accelerate learning.
More about the company from their press release:
“Tathata, in its truest sense means “suchness,” a sense of complete understanding and all-knowing. The essence of Tathata and suchness is found deep within the simple understanding of knowing who you are and being trained in such a way that you always have a sense of your greatness building.
Throughout our conversation, Hepler repeatedly brought up the example of holding a hockey stick and hitting a shot, as well as stepping up to a soccer ball to kick it. The young do both with confidence, self-belief, and without a concern about fundamentals and technique.
With Tathata, Hepler seeks a way to play golf that is more in line with the above than, say, the somber, mechanistic grind that is high-level junior golf today.
Beyond benefitting students, with Tathata Hepler hopes to illuminate “a simpler way to play the game. A faster way to play the game” and “a way for us to bring golf instruction together.”
It will be interesting to see who buys in (quite literally) to Hepler’s vision. Clearly Misters Chamblee and McCord do.
Check out Tathata’s website here.
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News
Tour Rundown: Six-pack of tourneys follows Masters
Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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News
Morning 9: Rory: I’m not joining LIV | Masters ratings | Nelly: We just need a stage
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage
GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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Stella bryan
Feb 5, 2016 at 12:44 am
I am shocked at your comments. I just completed the Tathata 60 day course and it was the best golf training I have had in the 4 years l have been playing golf. It is disheartening that you all comment in such a negative way about a training program that is not only exceptional in the quality of its presentation, but also in the experiential building of the mechanics of the swing. Shame on those of you who dissed it without putting the time and energy into taking the full program, which is inexpensive compared to regular golf lessons! It is an amazing program and encourages a much more natural way of swinging the club than the normal lessons taught by most PGA professional. I don’t need to knock their techniques, but do know that for many of us that worrying about the angle of our spine being correct, or something equally mechanical, does not yield natural and athletic movements but simply interferes with our ability to swing in a free and simple manner. I am grateful for Tathata training and Brian’s genius in putting it together and would recommend the course to anyone.
Brock Landers
May 24, 2014 at 2:57 pm
Does this training aid make me a washed up hack who takes cheap shot after cheap shot at REAL players, on a consistent basis?….oh wait, I am describing Chamblee….nothing could ever make me as good as him. This guy is a DELTA BRAVO and McCord is about as funny as a tumor in your brain. These guys are idiots.
Double Mocha Man
May 24, 2014 at 3:24 pm
Now Brock, McCord is pretty clever/funny… he just needs to force it less often.
Bamicus
May 25, 2014 at 9:52 am
You nailed it Brock!
ButtFvck_Chandelier
May 24, 2014 at 1:42 am
How is this idiot still making money from the golf world? Disgraceful.
thefullsp
May 23, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Just try yoga and believe you’re gonna hole everything. Boom! Job done. PayPal details on request 😉 Namaste
RG
May 23, 2014 at 5:08 pm
I don’t know what all the fuss is about. For a perfect golf game all one must do is align their Shakra with the Chi force, insert these in a static warp shell by combining matter and anti-matter in a dylithium crystal matrix. Add two jiggers of vermouth and gin and Voila! Perfection!
4pillars
May 24, 2014 at 11:31 am
I never realized golf was that simple.
Thanks for your clarity
mizzy
May 23, 2014 at 3:03 pm
The website seems to emphasize more on how to become an instructor than how they will help the client with the game. This model reaks of Multi-Level Marketing which will get people to pay to teach the methodology while pushing an inferior product to the end user.
mizzy
May 23, 2014 at 3:04 pm
reeks*
Bryan
May 23, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Brandel can’t – until he explains in lengthy detail how Tiger’s swing-plane and head movement won’t allow him to hit driver like he did with his “Butch” swing…additional thoughts and nonsense….diarrhea of the mouth…blah, blah, blah…
Tony Lynam
May 23, 2014 at 1:36 pm
I made it to the 2:08 mark of the video and could not take it anymore.
4pillars
May 23, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Perhaps Brandel will recommend it to Tiger.
DB
May 23, 2014 at 12:25 pm
So McCord endorsing another hippy pseudo scientific company out of Scottsdale?
I can hardly believe it.
The dude
May 23, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Ha!…..nailed it!
MFB
May 23, 2014 at 11:32 am
Is there a product that McCord has not made a commercial for ?
brtnsbs
May 23, 2014 at 11:14 am
I don’t get it, is this just a training program with drills to ingrain your swing either through mental practice or physical practice?
ca1879
May 23, 2014 at 11:13 am
Grasshopper, snatch the ProV1 from my hand…
I certainly hope this completely new and simple distillation of the one true approach to golf is better than all the other completely new and simple distillations of the one true approach to golf have been. More proof that people will fall for anything.
Zach Szczepanski
May 23, 2014 at 11:09 am
Very interested in going through this program. I was out in Scottsdale this winter and had the opportunity to speak with Brian and tour the facility. Great looking program. Interested to see how well it catches on.
John kuczeski
Jun 27, 2014 at 10:13 am
Zach,
Just curious, did you ever check out the program? Thanks!
IH8
May 23, 2014 at 11:09 am
Seriously? This sounds about as credible as a horoscope. And how does Brandel Chamblee reconcile his endorsement of this product, which aims at improvement, and his several comments on golf channel about how improvement is over-rated and experience is the be all and end all of greatness?