Ever the takesmith, Brandel Chamblee continues to beat his “weight lifting is worthless for golfers and likely destructive” drum, and now he’s playing a new song (albeit from the same album).

GolfWRX member Holy Moses watched the Golf Channel analyst on “Live from The Players” the other night, and he offered this summary of Chamblee’s remarks.

“Brandel said the average swing speed on Tour has declined a tenth of a MPH the last ten years. Also said Tiger’s and DJ’s swing speeds have not gone up over the last 10-15 years. So what is all of this weight training doing besides not prolonging careers if not adding MPH to swings? Some say weight training can prevent injuries, but is there any data to support that?”

Regardless of your opinion of Chamblee’s opinions, as it were, he usually has his stats right, so we’ll assume he’s correct in his claims about swing speeds.

Holy Moses also says that while weight training may not increase swing speed for elite golfers, he assumes it does for the average player.

As you’d expect, GolfWRX members had plenty to say on the subject.

Bladehunter agrees with Chamblee

“It’s pretty ridiculous to think it [lifting] does to most.. Davis Love, Phil, Tiger when he was young , all were really fast minus any bulk …. Chamblee is spot on as usual…Rory was soft and fast once too wasn’t he?”

Noodle3872 says

“I think weight training is part of most guys fitness program. Maybe not throwing heavy weights but enough to gain strength, stability and stamina. Stretching and yoga is likely used too. Strong yet soft and flexible. It’s a longevity program in my mind.”

Straightshot7 says

“Adding muscle doesn’t always directly correlate to faster swing speed/more distance. However, unless you’re bulking up excessively, it certainly doesn’t hurt. Weight lifting has dozens of health benefits. It can increase body awareness and the right fitness regimen can obviously improve balance and flexibility. Weight lifting/exercise can increase stamina.

“If you aren’t getting fatigued physically, that also helps mentally. If you feel more fit and strong that can also help your confidence. Brooks Koepka talked about feeling more explosive from weight lifting. Even if it’s only mental/placebo effect, that’s still helping. Having strong legs is certainly helpful in performing a good golf swing and hitting the ball far. The bottom line is lifting weights/exercising properly won’t necessarily add speed to your swing but it has a host of benefits regardless.”

MadGolfer76 says

“I’ve always kind of wondered about this. There seems to be those guys out there who seem inclined towards strength almost naturally, who can put a hurt on the ball without the need for a program. There are others who need a regimen to make it happen. I don’t really think lifting has much to do with swing speed, but rather helps provide a more solid lower body base, and maybe assists with endurance.”

MountainGoat1000 offers

“There are swings that are based on leverage and strength, and there are swings that are based on fluidity and rhythm. The golf swing of old was based on fluidity and rhythm and doesn’t benefit much from weight training. The modern swing, however, is based on leverage and strength, and it does benefit from weight training. The swing of old was a ‘symphony of 1000 parts’ which was very tempo sensitive had had to be executed at the appropriate speed with just the right amount of power. Too much effort was counter-productive. When it worked, it was great; when it didn’t, it didn’t. The modern swing is more tempo-resistant, holds up better under pressure, and can take as much raw power as you can give it.”

Jah7838 says

“I get annoyed when Brandel complains about golfers lifting weights. Like others have said, lifting weights has plenty of benefits for everyday life. I work out as much as possible, and over the years of getting in shape, the main benefit is how I feel in my everyday life. My lower back pain is nowhere near as bad as it used to be, and when my back does hurt, it’s not from golf. It’s from my muscles being tight, and not rolling out on my foam roller like I should.”

What do you think about Chamblee’s remarks and these takes, GolfWRX members?

Check out the thread to read everything the community is saying.