Opinion & Analysis
Chamblee apologizes again to Tiger, but what is he apologizing for?
How many times can you apologize without actually apologizing? For Brandel Chamblee, the number is now two.
The Golf Channel analyst appeared on Golf Central on Wednesday and spoke with Rich Lerner about a Golf.com article he penned that gave Woods, who won five time on the PGA Tour in 2013, an “F” grade for the season because of his multiple rules infractions.
In the article, Chamblee wrote that Woods was “cavalier” with the rules, and then proceeded to compare Woods’ rules infractions to a test the analyst cheated on while in fourth grade.
“In comparing those incidents to my cheating episode in the fourth grade, I went too far,” Chamblee said in the interview. “Cheating involves intent. Now I, I know what my intent was on that fourth grade math test. But there’s no way that I could know with 100 percent certainty what Tiger’s intent was in any of those situations. That was my mistake.”
When asked if he had a vendetta against Woods, Chamblee said, “of course not.” But he admitted that he is sometimes forceful with his opinions on Woods, and that he caused a problem for Golf Channel by writing the column. What he could have done next was finally say on camera that he was sorry to Tiger Woods. That would have been enough. But Chamblee went a different route, declaring that he would not write for any media outlet outside of Golf Channel/NBC.
“Tiger and his camp, they’re upset at Golf Channel; they specifically called Golf Channel out,” Chamblee said. “And to me they’re barking up the wrong tree. This column appeared on Golf.com, nobody here at Golf Channel knew anything about it and my editor at Golf.com asked me to rewrite the ending when I sent it in to him. I wished I would have listened to him. But all of this has made me realize that there is a conflict and a confusion when you work for one company and write for another company. So going forward, I’m not going to be writing for Golf Magazine beginning next year. I’ll be writing exclusively for GolfChannel.com, (NBCSports.com). And you know, that way if Tiger and his camp have an issue with something I write, they will at least be yelling at the right people.”
What’s apparently lost on Chamblee is that at no point has he addressed the real issue. He never said that he was wrong; that Tiger Woods, the most-watched golfer in history, couldn’t possible be a cheater on the golf course. But he did say this:
“My job as an analyst at Golf Channel requires me to analyze golf and offer my opinions. I’d like to think I’m pretty good at it.”
Sounds apologetic, doesn’t it?
Not knowing “with 100 percent certainty” what Tiger’s intent was during his rules infractions is a far cry from an apology. That’s why if Chamblee isn’t prepared to say that Woods isn’t a cheater, he shouldn’t be apologizing. Because what then is he really apologizing for?
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19th Hole
Vincenzi’s 2024 RBC Heritage betting preview: Patrick Cantlay ready to get back inside winner’s circle
Just a two-hour drive from Augusta National, the PGA TOUR heads to Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hilton Head Island is a golfer’s paradise and Harbour Town is one of the most beautiful and scenic courses on the PGA TOUR.
Harbour Town Golf Links is a par-71 that measures 7,121 yards and features Bermuda grass greens. A Pete Dye design, the course is heavily tree lined and features small greens and many dog legs, protecting it from “bomb-and-gauge” type golfers.
The field is loaded this week with 69 golfers with no cut. Last year was quite possibly the best field in RBC Heritage history and the event this week is yet another designated event, meaning there is a $20 million prize pool.
Most of the big names on the PGA Tour will be in attendance this week with the exceptions of Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland. Additionally, Webb Simpson, Shane Lowry, Gary Woodland and Kevin Kisner have been granted sponsors exemptions.
Past Winners at Harbour Town
- 2023: Matt Fitzpatrick (-17)
- 2022: Jordan Spieth (-13)
- 2021: Stewart Cink (-19)
- 2020: Webb Simpson (-22)
- 2019: CT Pan (-12)
- 2018: Sotoshi Kodaira (-12)
- 2017: Wesley Bryan (-13)
- 2016: Branden Grace (-9)
- 2015: Jim Furyk (-18)
In this article and going forward, I’ll be using the Rabbit Hole by Betsperts Golf data engine to develop my custom model. If you want to build your own model or check out all of the detailed stats, you can sign up using promo code: MATTVIN for 25% off any subscription package (yearly is best value).
Key Stats For Harbour Town
Let’s take a look at key metrics for Harbour Town Golf Links to determine which golfers boast top marks in each category over their past 24 rounds.
Strokes Gained: Approach
Strokes Gained: Approach is exceedingly important this week. The greens at Harbour Town are about half the size of PGA TOUR average and feature the second-smallest greens on the tour. Typical of a Pete Dye design, golfers will pay the price for missed greens.
Total SG: Approach Over Past 24 Rounds
- Scottie Scheffler (+1.27)
- Tom Hoge (+1.27)
- Corey Conners (+1.16)
- Austin Eckroat (+0.95)
- Cameron Young (+0.93)
Good Drive %
The fairways at Harbour Town are tree lined and feature many dog legs. Bombers tend to struggle at the course because it forces layups and doesn’t allow long drivers to overpower it. Accuracy is far more important than power.
Good Drive % Over Past 24 Rounds
- Brice Garnett (88.8%)
- Shane Lowry (+87.2%)
- Akshay Bhatia (+86.0%)
- Si Woo Kim (+85.8%)
- Sepp Straka (+85.1%)
Strokes Gained: Total at Pete Dye Designs
Pete Dye specialists tend to play very well at Harbour Town. Si Woo Kim, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk and Webb Simpson are all Pete Dye specialists who have had great success here. It is likely we see some more specialists near the top of the leaderboard this week.
SG: TOT Pete Dye per round over past 36 rounds:
- Xander Schauffele (+2.27)
- Scottie Scheffler (+2.24)
- Ludvig Aberg (+2.11)
- Brian Harman (+1.89)
- Sungjae Im (+1.58)
4. Strokes Gained: Short Game (Bermuda)
Strokes Gained: Short Game factors in both around the green and putting. With many green-side bunkers and tricky green complexes, both statistics will be important. Past winners — such as Jim Furyk, Wes Bryan and Webb Simpson — highlight how crucial the short game skill set is around Harbour Town.
SG: SG Over Past 24 Rounds
- Jordan Spieth (+1.11)
- Taylor Moore (+1.02)
- Wyndham Clark (+0.98)
- Mackenzie Hughes (+0.86)
- Andrew Putnam (+0.83)
5. Greens in Regulation %
The recipe for success at Harbour Town Golf Links is hitting fairways and greens. Missing either will prove to be consequential — golfers must be in total control of the ball to win.
Greens in Regulation % over past 24 rounds:
- Brice Garnett (+75.0%)
- Scottie Scheffler (+69.9%)
- Corey Conners (+69.0%)
- Shane Lowry (+68.3%)
- Patrick Rodgers (+67.6%)
6. Course History
Harbour Town is a course where players who have strong past results at the course always tend to pop up.
Course History over past 24 rounds:
- Patrick Cantlay (+2.34)
- Cam Davis (+2.05)
- J.T. Poston (+1.69)
- Justin Rose (+1.68)
- Tommy Fleetwood (+1.59)
The RBC Heritage Model Rankings
Below, I’ve compiled overall model rankings using a combination of the five key statistical categories previously discussed — SG: Approach (24%), Good Drives (20%), SG: SG (14%), SG: Pete Dye (14%), GIR (14%), and Course History (14%)
- Shane Lowry
- Russell Henley
- Scottie Scheffler
- Xander Schauffele
- Corey Conners
- Wyndham Clark
- Christiaan Bezuidenhout
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Cameron Young
- Ludvig Aberg
2024 RBC Heritage Picks
Patrick Cantlay +2000 (FanDuel)
With the exception of Scottie Scheffler, the PGA Tour has yet to have any of their star players show peak form during the 2024 season. Last week, Patrick Cantlay, who I believe is a top-5 players on the PGA Tour, took one step closer to regaining the form that’s helped him win eight events on Tour since 2017.
Cantlay limped into the Masters in poor form, but figured it out at Augusta National, finishing in a tie for 20th and ranking 17th for the week in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. The former FedEx Cup champion will now head to one of his favorite golf courses in Harbour Town, where he’s had immaculate results over the years. In his six trips to the course, he’s only finished worse than 7th one time. The other finishes include three third places (2017, 2019, 2023) and one runner-up finish (2022). In his past 36 rounds at Harbour Town, Cantlay ranks 1st in Strokes Gained: Total per round at the course by a wide margin (+2.36).
Cantlay is winless since the 2022 BMW Championship, which is far too long for a player of his caliber. With signs pointing to the 32-year-old returning to form, a “signature event” at Harbour Town is just what he needs to get back on the winning track.
Tommy Fleetwood +3000 (FanDuel)
I truly believe Tommy Fleetwood will figure out a way to win on American soil in 2024. It’s certainly been a bugaboo for him throughout his career, but he is simply too talented to go another season without winning a PGA Tour event.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, Fleetwood made a Sunday charge and ended up finishing T3 in the event, which was his best ever finish at The Masters. For the week, the Englishman ranked 8th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 10th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking and 16th in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is a perfect layout for Fleetwood, and he’s had relative success at this Pete Dye design in the past. In his four trips to the course, he’s finished inside of the top 25 three times, with his best finish, T10, coming in 2022. The course is pretty short and can’t be overpowered, which gives an advantage to more accurate players such as Fleetwood. Tommy ranks 8th in the field in Good Drive % and should be able to plot his way along this golf course.
The win is coming for Tommy lad. I believe there’s a chance this treasure of a golf course may be the perfect one for him to finally break through on Tour.
Cameron Young +3300 (FanDuel)
Cameron Young had a solid Masters Tournament last week, which is exactly what I’m looking for in players who I anticipate playing well this week at the RBC Heritage. He finished in a tie for 9th, but never felt the pressure of contending in the event. For the week, Young ranked 6th in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and 6th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Despite being one of the longest players off the tee on the PGA Tour, Young has actually played some really good golf on shorter tracks. He finished T3 at Harbour Town in 2023 and ranks 20th in the field in Good Drive% and 16th in Greens in Regulation in his past 24 rounds. He also has strong finishes at other shorter courses that can take driver out of a players hand such as Copperhead and PGA National.
Young is simply one of the best players on the PGA Tour in 2024, and I strongly believe has what it takes to win a PGA Tour event in the very near future.
Corey Conners +5500 (FanDuel)
Corey Conners has had a disappointing year thus far on the PGA Tour, but absolutely loves Harbour Town.
At last week’s Masters Tournament, the Canadian finished T30 but ranked 20th in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach. In his past 24 rounds, Conners ranks 3rd in the field in Strokes Gained: Approach, 3rd in Greens in Regulation % and 24th in Good Drive %.
In Conners’ last four trips to Harbour Town, his worst finish was T31, last season. He finished T4 in 2021, T12 in 2022 and ranks 8th in Strokes Gained: Total at the course over his past 36 rounds.
Conners hasn’t been contending, but his recent finishes have been encouraging as he has finished in the top-25 in each of his past three starts prior to The Masters, including an impressive T13 at The PLAYERS. His recent improvement in ball striking as well as his suitability for Harbour Town makes Conners a high upside bet this week.
Shane Lowry (+7500) (FanDuel)
When these odds were posted after Lowry was announced in the field, I have to admit I was pretty stunned. Despite not offering much win equity on the PGA Tour over the last handful of years, Shane Lowry is still a top caliber player who has the ability to rise to the top of a signature event.
Lowry struggled to score at The Masters last week, but he actually hit the ball really well. The Irishman ranked 1st for Strokes Gained: Approach on the week and 7th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking. As usual, it was the putter that let him down, as he ranked 60th in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting.
Harbour Town is most definitely one of Lowry’s favorite courses on the PGA Tour. In his six starts there, he’s finished in the top 10 three times, including third twice. Lowry is sensational at Pete Dye designs and ranks 7th in Strokes Gained: Total in his past 36 rounds on Dye tracks.
Lowry is perfect for Harbour Town. In his past 24 rounds, he ranks 5th in Strokes Gained: Approach, 2nd in Good Drive% and 5th in Green in Regulation %. If he figures it out on the greens, Shane could have his first win in America since 2015.
Lucas Glover +12000 (FanDuel)
This is one of my weekly “bet the number” plays as I strongly believe the odds are just too long for a player of Glover’s caliber. The odds have been too long on Glover for a few weeks now, but this is the first event that I can get behind the veteran being able to actually contend at.
Glover is quietly playing good golf and returning to the form he had after the understandable regression after his two massive victories at the end of 2023. He finished T20 at The Masters, which was his best ever finish at Augusta National. For the week, Lucas ranked 18th for Strokes Gained: Approach and 20th in Strokes Gained: Ball Striking.
Over his past 24 rounds, Glover ranks 9th in Strokes Gained: Approach and 13th in Good Drive %. Harbour Town is a short course that the 44-year-old will be able to keep up with the top players on Tour off the tee. He’s played the course more than 20 times, with mixed results. His best finishes at Harbour Town include a T7 in 2008, but recently has a finish of T21 in 2020.
Glover has proven he can contend with the stars of the Tour on any given week, and this number is flat out disrespectful.
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The 2024 Masters offered up plenty of excitement throughout the week with Scottie Scheffler delivering when it mattered to live up to his pre-tournament favorite tag. With the year’s opening major now in the books, here are my six biggest takeaways from the 2024 Masters.
Scheffler In a League of His Own
In the most impressive way possible, Scottie Scheffler won the Masters without having his absolute best stuff. For the week, Scottie ranked 19th in Strokes Gained: Approach, which is a category the number player in the world typically dusts the rest of the field in. After a strong approach day on Thursday, the 27-year-old lost strokes to the field on approach on Friday and Saturday, before gaining on Sunday. The iron performance was more than solid, but it was an all-around game that helped Scheffler get it done around Augusta National.
For a year or more, the narrative around Scheffler has been, “With his ball striking, if he can just putt to field average, he’ll be unbeatable.” At Augusta, his ball striking came back down to earth, but his touch around the greens and ability to manage the golf course demonstrated why he is the best player on the planet right now. For the week, Scheffler ranked 1st in the field in Strokes Gained: Around the Green and 24th in Strokes Gained: Putting.
For the time being, there is a major gap between Scottie Scheffler and the second-best player in the world, whoever that may be.
The Future is Now
Ludvig Aberg went into his first back-nine at the Masters with a legitimate shot to win the tournament. When he teed it up on the treacherous 11th hole, he was one behind Scottie Scheffler, who had just stuck one to a few feet on the 9th. By the time he approached his tee shot, which was perfectly striped down the left side of the fairway, he was two behind. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old got too aggressive with his approach at the 11th and found the water, making double bogey. Ludvig rebounded nicely and finished the event in solo second place.
With the Masters now in the rearview, it’s never been more evident that Ludvig Aberg is no longer an “up-and-comer” — he has arrived. The Swede has been an integral part of a winning European Ryder Cup team and has now contended at Augusta National. With a calm demeanor, a picture-perfect swing, and a build and stature that appears as if it was built in a lab, Ludvig Aberg is already amongst the world’s best. I’d be extremely surprised if he wasn’t in the mix at next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Nostalgia Wins
I try to avoid as many cliches as possible, but there’s something about the Masters that brings out the sentimentality in me. Tiger Woods strategically making his way around Augusta National without all of the physical tools that made him arguably the most dominant athlete in the history of sports will always be riveting, regardless of what score he shoots. Woods made it interesting until a tough stretch of holes on Saturday, but he ultimately wore down, shooting 16 over for the week in difficult conditions. It’s remarkable that the 15-time major champion was able to put together a few solid rounds of golf despite barely playing any competitive golf in 2024. As long as Woods tees it up at Augusta, we will all continue to be mesmerized by it.
Verne Lundquist’s 40th and final Masters Tournament was also a must-watch aspect of the event. The iconic voice of Lundquist and his calls throughout the years still give me chills each time I hear them. Verne is an icon of the game and will be missed in future renditions of the Masters.
The Masters also brings another element that is unique to the tournament. Former champions turn back the clock to battle with the golf course again which creates some amazing stories. There are a few that stick out this year and were an absolute pleasure to witness. 61-year-old Vijay Singh made the cut for the first time since 2018 and shot a pretty incredible even-par, 72 on Sunday. 58-year-old José María Olazábal made the cut as well, reminding us why fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm sought his valuable advice prior to his Masters victory in 2022.
Regardless of who wins, the Masters always delivers.
Bryson Moves the Needle
Plenty will disagree with me on this point, but outside of Tiger Woods, and potentially Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, no one moves the needle in golf as much as Bryson DeChambeau. The uniqueness in which Bryson approaches the game has always been fascinating, and if he gets near the top of the leaderboard at any major championship, whether it’s to root for him or against him, people are interested.
It began on Monday with a pretty bizarre story of DeChambeau using 3D-printed irons that got just got cleared for use by the USGA when the week began. It once again felt like a storyline that would only be possible with a character as eccentric as Bryson. He then raced off to a first-round lead in tough conditions, reminding the world of what made him such a great golfer to begin with. He made some mistakes on the weekend, but still finished a career best T6 at The Masters.
Bryson is more than just quirky; he is a former U.S. Amateur Champion and U.S. Open who I believe will contend for more majors in the future. I will continue to root for DeChambeau, but I’m perfectly content with the fact that plenty will root against him, and I encourage those people to do so. That’s what makes it fun.
LIV Walks Away Empty-Handed
Last year, there were a multitude of questions about LIV players coming into the year’s first major. They had played very limited tournament golf, and critics of LIV questioned whether the 54-hole events were enough to sharpen the players enough to compete against the best in the world on the biggest stage.
The results were fascinating, with LIV players all over the leaderboard. Brooks Koepka held the 36- and 54-hole lead, with Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed finishing T2 and T4, giving LIV three golfers in the top-4 of the leaderboard.
This season, with even more time removed and with some more massive additions to the roster, the intrigue surrounding LIV players at Augusta was once again palpable. While some players, including Bryson DeChambeau, exceeded expectations, I can’t help but walk away from the Masters feeling underwhelmed by the performance of the LIV players.
Brooks Koepka finished runner-up last season and is a certified major championship killer. The 5-time major champ was never involved and simply didn’t have it at Augusta. Dustin Johnson put together a putrid performance, shooting 13 over for his two rounds, making it fair to wonder if his days of contending at major championships are over as he rapidly approaches his 40th birthday.
Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann were both players who were amongst the favorites this week, but Rahm was faced with the daunting duties of defending champion and Niemann proved he was still not quite ready to master the quirks of Augusta National, bleeding strokes both around and on the greens.
To be fair, when all was said and done, LIV had four players in the top twelve at The Masters. Tyrrell Hatton stormed the leaderboard early on Sunday, finishing T9 and earning himself an invite back to Augusta next season. Cam Smith and Patrick Reed put together gritty performances, which isn’t too surprising considering the fact that they both absolutely love Augusta National, but neither ever felt a real threat to win. There’s no doubt the players on LIV are good, and that’s why some encouraging leaderboard positions aren’t enough. They needed to contend.
With no players part of the storyline on Sunday, I view the first major of the year as a disappointment for LIV. The players will head into next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla with a lot to prove.
Rory’s Struggles Continues
Rory struggling at Augusta National is no surprise at this point. The four-time major champion has now had 10 attempts to complete the career grand slam and has never had a chance to win. His T2 in 2022 was deceiving, the Northern Irishman stormed the leaderboard on Sunday, but was never in contention, and never got within three shots of the winner, Scottie Scheffler.
I didn’t expect Rory to win, but I have to admit that this year felt a bit different. McIlroy played the week prior to the Masters, which he typically doesn’t do, and finished third at the Valero Texas Open. He gained 7.56 strokes on approach and 2.0 strokes off the tee, which told me that his visit with world-renowned swing coach, Butch Harmon, after the Players Championship paid dividends.
McIlroy also approached the media quite differently. He cut his pre-tournament press conference short after only 10 minutes and seemed to be laser-focused on just playing golf.
Despite the different approach to the Masters, the results were the same. McIlroy struggled over the course of the week, finishing T22 (+4) and never sniffed a decent weekend position on the leaderboard. It’s back to the drawing board for McIlroy, and I have doubts that he will ever figure it out at Augusta.
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We’ve finally reached The Masters and excitement is at an all-time high. The world of golf has been fractured for the better part of two years, but for a week at Augusta National, all of the outside noise will disappear. All of the best players in the world will be together seeking to make history.
In addition to betting on The Masters champion. This is one of the few weeks of the year where there are so many more markets to explore, with value to be had in plenty of different categories.
Throughout this article, I’ll discuss all of my favorite props and players for the 2024 Masters.
Placement Bets:
Tony Finau Top 5 +750 (DraftKings):
I badly wanted to include Tony Finau in my outright betting selections, but I simply ran out of room on my card. Additionally, it’s slightly difficult to see him hitting the putts necessary to win the Masters on back nine on Sunday. However, I do strongly believe he will play great golf this week at Augusta National.
In his past 24 rounds, Finau ranks 4th in Strokes Gained: Approach is always amongst the best drivers of the golf ball in the game. Back in 2019, Finau had a great chance to win The Masters. I expect him to be hanging around over the weekend once again in 2024.
Gary Woodland Top 20 +550 (DraftKings), Gary Woodland to make the cut -110 (DraftKings):
Last season, Gary Woodland had his best ever finish at The Masters in his eleven tries. The 39-year-old finished T14 and played incredibly steady across all four rounds.
In Woodland’s most recent start at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, he struck the ball incredibly well. He led the field in Strokes Gained: Approach (+8.8) and Strokes Gained: Ball Striking (+10.0).
Gary has been working with Butch Harmon and absolutely flushing the ball both in tournaments and during practice.
Woodland appears to be healthy once again and in a great place physically and mentally. If he can build off his impressive performance at Augusta last year, he can place inside the top ten in 2024.
Additionally, the make the cut number on Woodland seems generous considering the number of players who miss the cut will be relatively small this week. Woodland is striking it well enough to make the cut even if he’s hindered by a balky putter once again.
Thorbjorn Olesen Top 20 +400 (FanDuel):
The Thunder Bear, Thorbjorn Olesen, made his Masters debut in 2013 and finished an incredibly impressive T6 for the week. In the two additional starts he’s made at Augusta National since then, the Dane has continued to be incredibly solid, finishing T44 and T21.
This week, Olesen heads into the week playing some good golf. He gained 3.8 strokes on approach and 5.52 strokes around the green at last week’s Valero Texas Open on his way to a strong T14 finish. Back in January, he won the Ras Al Khaimah Championship on the DP World Tour.
Olesen has the skill set to be successful at Augusta and seems primed for a good performance this week.
Top Nationalities:
Sergio Garcia Top Spanish Player +280 (DraftKings):
I believe Sergio Garcia can get into contention this week with the way he’s striking the ball in addition to his good vibes with a refurbished version of the Scotty Cameron that he used at the 1999 PGA Championship at Medinah.
I am slightly concerned about the emotional letdown he may face after losing in a playoff at LIV Miami, but I believe a veteran and former Masters champion should be able to regroup and focus on an event far more meaningful.
This is essentially a tournament head-to-head with Jon Rahm at +280. While Rahm deserves to be respected this week, the history of the lack of success of defending champions at The Masters is difficult to ignore.
Joaquin Niemann Top South American Player -230 (FanDuel):
While I hate paying this much juice, I don’t see a world in which Joaquin Niemann isn’t the top South American this week at The Masters. Joaco comes in playing better golf than anyone in the world not named Scottie Scheffler and has a serious chance to win the green jacket.
He only needs to beat two players: Emiliano Grillo and Camilo Villegas.
Tournament Head-to-Heads:
Justin Thomas -110 over Collin Morikawa
JT isn’t having his best season but is playing a lot better than he is getting credit for at the moment. In the past three months, there are only six players on the PGA Tour who have averaged 1.7 Strokes Gained: Tee to Green or better. Justin Thomas (+1.7) is one of the six and is currently tied with Rory McIlroy (+1.7).
Morikawa, on the other hand, has been extremely poor with his irons, which is incredibly uncharacteristic for him. I can’t help but feel like something is completely off with the two-time major champion.
Tony Finau -110 over Wyndham Clark
I explained in the placement section why I’m so high on Tony Finau this week. With how well he’s striking the ball, it seems as if his floor is extremely high. I’m not sure if he can make the putts to win a green jacket but I believe he will be in the mix similarly to 2019 when Tiger Woods emerged from a crowded pack of contenders.
Clark is a debutant, and while some debutants have had success at The Masters, it certainly poses a challenge. I also don’t believe Augusta National suits Clark as well as some of the other major championship venues.
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Sojourn
Nov 20, 2013 at 1:37 pm
The only opinions about Tiger that have ever mattered to me have come from Jack and Arnie. They both seem to like Tiger, and appreciate what he’s done for the game. Coming out and suggesting that anyone on the PGA or LPGA tour cheats is pretty low level. It reeks of someone seeking attention. And, in this case, I’m sure Mr. Palmer would agree, especially where Golf Channel commentators are concerned. I’m sure the kind of comments made by Chamblee are not in line with the philosophy Mr. Palmer had in mind when he helped create the network.
Kirk
Nov 20, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Without Tiger Woods, there very likely would not be a “Golf Channel.”
Ross
Nov 18, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Chamblee thinks he’s the smartest person on the planet. He thinks the world hangs on his every word. He was a D list golfer and he’s an even worse announcer.
Joe
Nov 14, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Cheating is a strong word that I wouldn’t use. I think “embarrassing” is more appropriate. 3 rules infractions in one year is pretty awful.
Mike
Nov 15, 2013 at 1:09 pm
How long did Chamblee play on tour? He’s a golf analyst…big whoop. I was listening to him talk about what Sean Foley and Tiger Woods were working. Tiger’s the best thing to happen to golf in the last 50 years. I’ll take the time to listen to what some of the great players of the game have to say because they know what it’s like to be the best and to have so much attention focused on your golf game and whether or not you’re breaking any rules. (This is a pretty recent development in technology that Jack, Arny, Hogan, and Snead never had to deal with). They didn’t have people from all over the world watching them play golf and calling in rules infractions. Other than his mediocre work on the Golf Channel what will Chamblee be remembered for in 100 years? Nothing. Tiger Woods on the other hand….
Kirk
Nov 20, 2013 at 11:38 am
Embarrassing for whom? Tiger doesn’t have anything to be embarrassed about. What great athlete has never violated a rule within their chosen sport? Tiger’s not the first nor the last to make a mistake. Moreover, Tiger can’t adjust his package without someone calling into the station to report an infraction.
joro
Nov 12, 2013 at 9:32 am
I don’t think the past times he is said to have “cheated” , aside from what he did to his family, is really a true cheat, but the fact he has felt he is entitled to do what he did. Brandel on the other hand has his opinion, and that is okay, he is entitled to that.
Tiger has a ton of fans, both for and against him. The fans think Brandel should be banned for life from ever working again, the others cheer him for the article. That’s the way it is, and always will be. Me ? I think he feels he is entitled to do whatever he wishes and should not be called out at any time, but he did mess up badly with his family, and he really doesn’t seem to care, but that is him.
In this instance however he was wrong, dead wrong. I do not believe it is possible for a Golfer of his caliber to NOT SEE the ball move. Any time I have had to move loose stuff I am intently watching the ball to see if it moves, and I think anyone who cares does the same. I can not and do not believe he thought the ball just oscillated and did not move, it was clear on the tape. Why I do not know, but he knew it moved and did nothing but play on. It was a downright lie.
Tadashi Davis
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:05 pm
First off anyone who throws jabs at a man personal life warrants no response, however I will respond. I am sick and tired of the idiots who put Tiger’s personal life with his golfing life. The two are totally different and should not be held in the same light or topic. That is pure buffoonery! Secondly, Tiger never said he did not see the ball move…so in your attempts to belittle goals most talented player playing today please come with facts. Referring to a mans private life when it has nothing to do with the sport of golf is a move!
RCM1301
Nov 19, 2013 at 11:44 am
Well, I am one of those idiots who do think your personal life and work life combined defined what you as person are and also thinks those who do not see it are idiots. So, we both are idiots, and the biggest is Tiger.
Kirk
Nov 20, 2013 at 1:02 pm
What do you really know about Tiger’s personal or prefessional life?
We know he’s number one in the world, and has been for most of his adult life. He has a foundation that helps thousand of kids. He’s one of the most well known athletes in the world. We know he won five tournaments last year, more than any other player, but he committed three rules violations. In his 16 year career Tiger has single handedly changed the entire landscape of the sport, and has no notable prior history of violating rules.
In his personal life, he was raised by two seemly loving parents, who he seems to love just as much. He was a great student, and earned a scholarship to Standard University. He married early and has two beautiful children who he seems to love and care for. He cheated on his wife on a number of occasions, but we don’t really know their marital relationship was going prior to the cheating. He’s since began dating arguably the greatest American female skier of all time.
I don’t think a reasonable person would consider Tiger an idiot. I don’t know how a reasonable person would feel about you.
RCM1301
Nov 20, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Wow, and a bio like that give him the right to think rules does not apply to him 3 times! Nice!
Kirk
Nov 21, 2013 at 2:25 am
Unlike in your world, everything is not so black and white (If you get my meaning.).
Jamie58UK
Nov 19, 2013 at 6:57 pm
I do not, for the life of me know where the word ‘Cheater’ came from, maybe it’s just a word…..
If your a cheat then you have lied to your fellow man, simple.
Tiger Woods cheated, simple.
Kirk
Nov 20, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Apparently, you don’t trust the PGA to determine who’s cheated or not. What qualifications do you have that make you more knowledgeable on golf rules than the PGA?
Also, it’s you’re, not your. I thought you English know how to speak “English.”
Fred Bluhm
Nov 20, 2013 at 12:35 pm
When you say Tiger doesn’t seem to care about how he messed up with his family, how do you know? Are you a Tiger confidant? Do you hang with him on a daily basis? And, when it comes to the ball moving (a 16th of an inch), you don’t know what Tiger saw. His view standing over the ball was totally different from that of the cameraman, who was shooting from ground level.
Rob
Nov 9, 2013 at 8:40 pm
The common theme of all you brain surgeons who are calling others cheaters is “if you didn’t see what I think I saw or think what I think or interpret things the way I do you are a cheater”. A cheater is by definition someone who is trying to take an unfair advantage. Very doubtful TW standing over the ball saw what we saw after looking at the zoomed in HD video numerous times. And, there is simply no evidence he was trying to take unfair advantage. I wonder, if HD video was zoomed in 10K X ever time we ground our putter, would we see the ball move? if it did, does that make every golfer a cheater? Chamblee’s problem is he mistakes what he thinks he saw, his opinion, and his interpretation for the almighty truth and that is where he went wrong.
RCM1301
Nov 11, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Just because you didn’t see it move, while somebody else may have, makes you the judge to say you are correct and the others are wrong. Read your last sentence about Chamblee – you are falling into your own trap.
RCM1301
Nov 8, 2013 at 4:49 pm
The reason why Tiger is rightly called a cheater, is that he has not accepted his 3 rules violations. In his eyes he was done injustice by being called out for rule violations and penalized, while other golfers will just accept the penalty (right or wrong) and move on. That is the difference.
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:16 pm
First off not accepting something you disagree with does not make you a “cheater”. Please note the definition of a cheater. For sake of argument if he got away with all three of those rule infractions, what possible advantage did he have over his competitors that he did not already have? Moreover I question the motives of all rules violations especially when it come to Tiger Woods. You mean to tell me NOBODY else on the Tour is guilty of a few rules violations? Come on now! There have been questionable rules violations on every top 10 one the tour. Never is it blown out of proportion like with Woods. I wonder why….
RCM1301
Nov 15, 2013 at 3:02 pm
because Tiger let it be blown out of proportion….. He has dozens of excuses and explanations which is fodder for the media. In each case he should have just said “sorry, I made mistake and accept penalty stroke” then the media would have no reason to make this an issue. But typical Tiger, he made it as if he was done an injustice and should not have been penalized.
Jose Nunya
Nov 24, 2013 at 3:16 am
I agree. After Tiger was shown the tape he should/could have said something like “Looking down on the ball it appeared to have oscillated but clearly I can see now it did not.” As for those that think personal and business lives are separate just don’t live in the business world. They are not separate nor should they be.
Sojourn
Nov 20, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Excellent response, Tadashi. Domo.
edward davison jr
Nov 6, 2013 at 8:15 pm
NO APOLOGY REQUIRED TIGER CHEATED AND THAT STARTED EVERYTHING
ED
Nov 7, 2013 at 1:13 pm
In something of a bombshell at a recent court hearing, Vijay Singh’s lawyer accused the PGA Tour of repeatedly exempting players from testing and punishment under its anti-doping program. But no proof has yet to be made public.
ED
Nov 7, 2013 at 1:23 pm
BE REAL FELLOW GOLFERS, LIAR OBAMA LIES ABOUT OUR HEALTH CARE, BEING ABLE TO HAVE YOUR SAME POLICY AND THE SAME DOCTOR, and 40,000,000 DEMOCRATS SAY THATS NOT SO…AND YOU HAVE LIAR OBAMA DEAD TO THE ISSUE ON HD VIDEO TAPE
SAME WITH TIGER, BRANDEL HAS THE CHEATING ON HD VIDEO TAPE….I saws the LOOSE IMPEDIMENT MOVED BY AN OUTSIDE AGENCY…NOTHING SAID…WRITE HIM A CHECK FOR SHOWING HOW TO CHEAT
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:19 pm
Hmmmm…your real colors show, which no makes the totally idiotic previous post, understandable, keep your politics and bigotry out of here and post them in the proper forum.
Sojourn
Nov 20, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Ed: take it to the FNC, not here. This is a golf site. Got it?
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Cheated? Define it….after you have the definition, please site in ANY of Tiger Woods rules violations in which an advantage was in Tiger’s favor left unchecked…..I will wait……
RCM1301
Nov 19, 2013 at 11:47 am
Tiger felt he should not have been penalized, therefor his score should have been 2 shots lower – that is advantage.
Lateef
Nov 5, 2013 at 3:45 pm
All can say is this people make mistakes everyday no one is perfect. Tiger is not the only one on tour that cheated or had issues in his marriage. The guy that introduced him to his ex-wife used to live in the strip club. The King used to hang with the Rat Pack so you know he wasn’t perfect. Everybody learns from his mistakes. Tiger has to share his kids instead of having them around all the time. So enough said on that topic please. Tiger had some major golf violations and was penalized for it, so he was punished and didn’t get away with it. If I remember correctly its still up to the players discretion according to the rules then you turn it over to the officials and that’s what happen. Mr. Putter yips can say all he wants but we all know money and fame is made off of Tiger these days.
ED
Nov 7, 2013 at 2:51 pm
LATEEF, HE SIGNED AN INCORRECT SCORECARD…A RULE VIOLATIOn, BALL DROP A RULE VIOLATION, SIGNED HIS SCORECARD THE NEXTDAY AFTER THE HONORABLE MASTERS RULES COMITTEE, DETERMINED TIGER NOT TO BE DQed….SIGNED AN INACCURATE SCORECARD ONE DAY, THE NEXT DAY HE HAS A REVISED GOLF CARD AND SIGNS IT…THE PLAYERS WONT COMPLAIN AS THERE IN THE SAME UNION….EUROPEANS KNOW IT WAS A CHEAT…!
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Signing the wrong score card would NOT have given him an advantage…by the definition you are already wrong. Moreover he was penalized. Ball drop rule? That rule is violated by more tour pros and the only difference this time? It’s Tiger Woods. Delay signature too has happened before in a major mind you and no one has ever made a big deal of it. All of Woods violations were met with penalty. So there is no cheating…see how stupid your thought process is? The Rule book is sizable, and in any given moment if I were a PGA rules nazi, I could find violations on ANY player in ANY tournament/event. The only difference here is it is Tiger Woods. It seems nay sayers will do anything to try to prevent him from becoming the best of all time in The PGA. In due time, that will come to pass, no matter the silly attempts to discredit Woods or the dog whistles thrown at him…
Brandel
Nov 14, 2013 at 1:56 am
Signing the wrong score card did give him the advantage because it was a lower score than what it should have been.
Sojourn
Nov 20, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Yes, but when Tiger signed his card with the wrong score, did he know the score was wrong? No. And why – because the PGA didn’t tell him until after the fact. They were as much to blame as Tiger was. Makes you wonder if the rules officials on the course couldn’t be doing a better job.
Jamie
Nov 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Chamblee should not apologize, nor should anyone else who points out the facts,
Tiger woods has cheated on the golf course, that’s the facts, it may be hard for some to except but it’s true, if you can not own up to a infringement then you must expect to be slaughtered when your caught !!!
Jack Nicklaus he will never be, but we are all expected to respect woods in the same way, the greats were just that for all the reasons woods is not,
Hard to except for some, but true!
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Jaime, Please define “cheat”. Then after you comprehend its meaning please state where any unfair advantage Wood have favored Woods…I’ll wait…
RCM1301
Nov 19, 2013 at 11:49 am
if you do not call the penalty on yourself, your score is 2 shots lower – that is advantage.
Sojourn
Nov 20, 2013 at 12:56 pm
In the end, if you got many of the top players from the past and present, and allowed them to speak anonymously, I’ll bet you’d be surprised at the comments you’d hear from them about the conduct of PGA players during tournaments.
BartB
Nov 4, 2013 at 1:51 pm
Chamblee wasn’t just giving an opinion, he was restating what we know…tiger cheats and he does that because he can. TGC will have excuses waiting for him and he will be welcomed with open arms. Why? He’s the cash cow and most people that follow tiger and like him, don’t even play. They just know him as the only golfer they know. AE is dropping his contract for video games…probably because they’re not sure how to program illegal ball drops and hitting out of turn. He’s the worst thing that ever happened to golf…just go to a muni course and watch the kids swear, spit, not clean up divots or ball marks and throw clubs. He was, is and always will be a lousy role model. Chamblee is only wrong in apologizing. Stick to your guns Brandel.
edward davison jr
Nov 6, 2013 at 8:22 pm
I AGREE BARTB, BRANDEL STICK TO YOUR OBSERVATIONS, IT REALLY IS JUST AN OPINION
Many others saw tiger cheat, But for The Masters Honor Comittee, to rewrite Tigers score card in the Middle of the night, and allow him to continue is a FARCE…SIGNED A FALSE SCORECARD LEFT THE COURSE ????
ned
Nov 10, 2013 at 4:13 pm
perfect comments- all the hacks that watch and worship him (mostly pacific rim hacks) have no idea!
his last year at sherwood, no more sponsors!
he has single handedly ruined golf, with the exception of known admitted cheaters as (trundle) faldo and infamous slow players like jack and middlecoff! simply facts!
true heroes in golf included snead, demarett, nelson, love III, crenshaw and miller! all w/integrity beyond reproach. look it up!
John Gates
Nov 20, 2013 at 2:49 pm
pretty interesting comments here, I don’t recall Jack being a super slow player for one. Not saying he wasn’t… I love the word integrity, that is definately what is missing in Woods. You hear about Bobby Jones calling a penalty on himself to lose the open by a stroke (or some other major), that is integrity! Would Woods do that? Not in a million years!
I personally don’t care for Woods but he has grown golf by leaps and bounds there’s no denying that.
Just sayin'
Nov 3, 2013 at 11:31 pm
I would prefer that Chamblee stayed at the Golf magazine and left Golf Central. I see where he thinks he is “pretty good” with his opinions but I don’t agree.
RMyers
Nov 4, 2013 at 7:03 am
Brandel Chamblee believes he is the greatest thing that ever existed on Earth when the reality is he has mental issues relating to his ego. Time for him to go. That kind of commentary has no place in the game of golf. Leaning on “this is my job” is a lame excuse for making those comments the way he did. I will never watch any segments he is on again. He is a non person as far as I’m concerned.
edward davison jr
Nov 6, 2013 at 8:16 pm
PURE PUKE RMYERS
RMyers
Nov 10, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Pure Truth
RCM1301
Nov 8, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Dr Phil?
R Darn
Nov 1, 2013 at 11:16 pm
Aw come on Tiger you pansy. Suck it up. UOU know you’re not Mr Goody Two Shoes.
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:37 pm
Easy to name call behind a monitor …
stephenf
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:43 pm
If the writer could step out of the shower with Tiger long enough to hear what’s actually going on, maybe he’d figure this out: Chamblee apologized for the part of his statement that connected Tiger’s “cavalier” treatment of the rules (very accurate, especially when it comes to the spirit of the rules) to the kind of intentional cheating that goes on in school. He is not apologizing for saying that Woods was “cavalier,” and he shouldn’t. That is not the same thing as saying Woods is a “cheater” in the sense that most people think of it. The fact that you or anybody else was expecting a further apology is somebody else’s problem, not Chamblee’s.
The truth is, Woods has been violating both the spirit and the letter of the rules in various ways since practically the first week he came out on tour; it’s just that there were more particularized and publicized incidences of it this year.
It’s not a matter of him “cheating” in the sense that most people understand that word, but rather his treating the whole question of the rules as if he were in some other pro sport, where it is the job of officials and rules committees to catch you at something and hey, if they don’t, you’re not helping them. And if they rule that you can play, you’re gonna play, even though the right thing to do would be to disqualify yourself because you can read the plain English of the rules yourself, and it’s your job, not somebody else’s, to be sure you’ve followed them in every way and down to the last detail, and if somebody is trying to give you a break because they need you around for the weekend so their ratings don’t crater, that’s nice of them, but it’s not golf.
I don’t think Woods “cheats” in any way that _he_ thinks is unfair or that gives him an advantage, which is what most people think of as being a “cheater.” But he does not understand, or if he understands he does not practice, the actual spirit of the rules. He was raised to believe the world, particularly the golf world, revolves around him and him alone, and that it is his job to adjust to no one while everybody and everything — including the rules — adjust to him, and as far as he and Tigerphiles are concerned, the standards that apply to him are the ones found in the rest of the pro sports world. That is not how things are supposed to work in this game. The rules are meant to level everybody, and they don’t care whether you’re Tiger Woods, the President, or an 11-handicapper at the muni. But not in the world of professional golf, a world that has come to look increasingly indistinguishable from other pro sports, and not in the realm of obsessive and endlessly profitable Tiger-celebrity-centeredness, which should not be confused with the actual game of golf. Too often it seems that “golf journalists” can’t quite decide which of those worlds they’re covering.
KarlK
Nov 4, 2013 at 10:28 pm
Whoa Stephenf,
Take it easy, you sound like an angry individual, golf has gotten way too popular for your liking. It sounds as though you yearn for the days when the face of the game had more of a country club atmosphere, limited to a select few “gentlemen” who considers themselves worthy of this great game that Bobby Jones and his cronies perfected.
Well wake up and smell the roses my friend, look around and see that Tiger is one of the best thing that ever happened to this dying game, look and see it is no longer played by out of shape smokers and drunks.
You have no business speaking on behalf of “tigerphiles” you should stick to your tiger hating comments and stay in the shower with that hack Brandel.
ned
Nov 10, 2013 at 4:20 pm
well written and accurate- additionally off topic, $12 Heineken’s at Riviera means that john q. public is donating 2 billion to charity- not the finchem crowd and his lowlife sycophants! look it up!
Tadashi
Nov 13, 2013 at 3:44 pm
As I said previously, If we we parse the rules there are violations by EVERY player on the tour. Not just Tiger. If you are referencing to the spirit of the rules of golf then if that we’re true Tiger would not be playing today so please use your words wisely….Moreover don’t give me that level playing field crap! If that we’re the case, Tiger Wood have bypassed Jack long ago, can you say Tiger-proof courses? Get outta here with the fairy tales!
Brandel
Nov 14, 2013 at 2:03 am
Rules need to be rewritten for the modern era and simplified.
vince
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:03 pm
I guess both Tiger and Chamblee suck at apologies.
Dennis Clark
Oct 31, 2013 at 6:19 pm
You’re spot on here Zack. This is NOT a Chamblee/Woods issue. It is a media bully pulpit issue. No one has the right to call another a cheater in our game unless they were in the event and witnessed it firsthand and were protecting the field. You do not make that call from the “booth”.
edward davison jr
Nov 7, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Dennis, Thank You for input…
Brett Lowry
Oct 31, 2013 at 5:25 pm
Chambels is a complete idiot. He had made many of the same poor choices Tiger has. The only thing different is he did/doesn’t have the game to go with these choices. Tiger is not going around saying how bad of a putter Brandel is nor is he saying how bad of a person Brandel is for his poor choices. Neither one has been right in their personal life and it’s not fair for Brandel to say wrong things regarding Tiger and cheating.
yo!
Oct 31, 2013 at 5:03 pm
It sounds like an apology … just not a George Costanza deserved one. Also sounds like the parent (Golfchannel) got word and the child has been told to apologize.
RCM1301
Oct 31, 2013 at 4:01 pm
When was the last time a PGA player had 3 rules issues in a year?
When was the last time the no1 rank player in the world had 3 rules issues in a year?
The problem lies with Tiger, not with Brandel!
Tbone
Nov 1, 2013 at 12:12 am
Let’s face it, no other player in the history of the game is on camera as much as Tiger is. Doesn’t matter if he is in first place or last during a tournament, he is going to get airtime. What other player can you say that about? How many other players would be in this situation if their play was on tv as much as Tiger’s? Every single one, I’m sure.
RCM1301
Nov 1, 2013 at 8:31 am
Correct, but then Tiger should do a better job of knowing the rules or ask his playing partner for help or ask for rules official.
Tbone
Nov 1, 2013 at 12:55 pm
That is a fair enough statement, but I think the real issue here is Brandel’s comments, implying intent to cheat. If you look at the three violations, was there intent to cheat by violating the rules? I seriously doubt it. The only one where you could even make that argument is the embedded ball in January. He gained absolutely NO advantage from violating the other two rules. The drop at the Masters? What advantage did he gain there by dropping two feet away from where he was supposed to? Same with the loose impediment. Rules violations happen to every player, Tiger gets busted more since he is always on video. To say he is intentionally cheating is asinine. Brandel was out of line, no two ways about it. I’m not even a Tiger fan since the ‘scandal,’ but he is being treated unfairly here.
Sojourn
Nov 20, 2013 at 1:19 pm
Obviously, the rules officials aren’t doing a very good job either.
Mike
Oct 31, 2013 at 3:33 pm
I wish Golf channel would release this clown, he’s been trying to make a name for himself by bashing tiger basically his entire career. Wether Tiger is in the wrong or not, Brandel Chamblee has gone after tiger for everything from his marriage to his swing change to his lack of judgement on the course. I want to state Im not saying Tiger has done everything right but as analyst you are suppose to be objective and he is simply NOT when it comes to Tiger he praises everyone else. This is how he has decided to make a name for himself. I do bot enjoy his coverage or spots on golf channel. Thats just my personal opinion even before all this went down. Golf channel would better off without him and they really should consider parting ways with him.
RCM1301
Oct 31, 2013 at 3:53 pm
So, somebody is only objective if it lines up with your viewpoint? At least he provides something different.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:11 pm
You are completely wrong. Brandel has repeatedly called tiger the best, most enigmatic and compelling golfer of our time. He has repeatedly said no one inspires more than watching tiger play. He has also said his main issue with all the swing changes is that it robs the fans a chance at watching history while retooling. Never has his opinion always been completely negative.
Kevco
Oct 31, 2013 at 2:51 pm
The basic problem is that that TW has proven that he lacks character and now people view everything he does with that knowledge in their heads. It’s not like his cheating was a simple matter of having an affair with a single individual. He was hitting everything that walked worldwide while pretending he was an f’n family man. Total lack of character. If he could do that to his family, then he could certainly knowingly improve his lie to try and win another major to shut everyone up who keeps talking about him and Nicklaus’ record. I don’t hate him but I don’t idolize him either. On a personal level, I have zero admiration for him. He’s a total ass that has ridiculous golf skillz.
Minh Nguyen
Oct 31, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Kevco, your argument is asinine. What Tiger did in his personal life has ZERO correlation with what he does on the golf course. IMO, your lack of “admiration” for him is clouding your judgement.
Tiger Woods is unlike any other professional golfer in any era. He has cameras on him at all times and there is little to no room for “cheating” let alone getting away with it.
I heard a good analogy on the radio today. In football, offensive linemen get called for holding all the time. Like Tiger, these offensive linemen broke a rule and were penalized for it. With that said, would you call all offensive linemen who are caught holding “cheaters”??? I don’t think so.
Kevco
Nov 1, 2013 at 12:37 am
My observation is that there is overwhelming evidence that he certainly cheated on his wife and family…actually, there should be a new word for it because cheating falls short in describing that circus. My point is that what he did is a reflection of who he is as a human being. It’s interesting that you would suggest that in your opinion, who he is as a human being has zero correlation to what he does on the golf course. There’s only one “he”, whether it be on or off the golf course. There is no doubt that he took an improper drop at the Masters. If he had integrity, he would have withdrawn as Palmer, Nicklaus or many current pros would have. The fact that he didn’t is telling. There is only one he. You are confusing his greatness as a golfer with greatness as a human being. He’s a great golfer but not a great human being and you are very naive to think that one has no bearing on the other. On a me and you personal level, my “argument” as you put it is not asinine. It is my opinion. I would never suggest that you are an ass because you disagree with me. What is obvious is that I have significantly more life experience than you and thankfully, it helps me develop more thoughtful opinions.
Minh Nguyen
Nov 1, 2013 at 2:50 pm
Kevco, you will never get any argument from me about Tiger being an unfaithful husband. What he did to his wife and children are inexcusable.
I grew up watching Michael Jordan.IMO, he is the greatest basketball player of all time. However, like Tiger I would never model my personal life after them. With that said, I still disagree with your correlation of one’s professional and personal life.
There are plenty of instances where people are “one way” in one part of their life and “another way” in the other part of their life. I am a different “he” as a father, as a husband, as an employee, and as a golfer.
On a personal level there is nothing for you to be offended by. I disagreed with your opinion and stated it as such. I never called you an ass or personally attacked you the person.
Brandel
Nov 14, 2013 at 2:15 am
Basketball is a different sport. If you aren’t getting called for fouls or violations you aren’t playing hard or rough enough. I would do whatever it took to win a basketball game and if the ref didn’t call it, it never happened. Take it from a state champ. In golf you are supposed to have the honor to be the player and the ref at the same time. Michael Jordan would do whatever it took, he was mean and dirty when he needed to be. The problem is that people are realizing that Tiger is fallible and has a broken moral compass. Maybe it is unfair of golf fans to expect their superstars like Tiger to have the morality and ethics of Bobby Jones, Nicklaus, and Watson. But like it or not people will always hold the best to the highest standard because THE PEOPLE WANT TO SEE GREATNESS. THE PEOPLE WANT A DESERVING ATHLETE TO PASS JACK, NOT A AN ASTERISK LIKE BARRY BONDS.
Walt
Nov 22, 2013 at 12:45 am
Kevco………exactly what makes a “great” human being? Do you think Palmer, Nicholas and all the other professional golfers haven’t made poor decisions in their lifetimes? Unfortunately the media and the watching public have placed Tiger on such a high pedastal because of his extraordinary golfing skills, that his extramarital affairs have become what people judge him on. Do you know any persons who may have “cheated” on their significant others, or who have became addicted to substances or gambling or who have made any number of poor choices? I’m sure you are also not perfect, like the rest of us. The problem is we, the public place too much importance on athletes and then we are disappointed when they show us they are no different then we are…..they are HUMAN, and make the same mistakes humans make. Tiger’s personal life HAS NO PLACE in his professional life. He is one of the Greatest Golfers of all time, and may end up being The Greatest? But that will always be up for debate as it is with every Athlete in every sport. Whether or not he intentionally cheated or believed he was getting an unfair advantage Is known only to him. The violations he was called on did not give him an advantage at all, except maybe the embedded ball? However on that, you can see him conferring with his opponent and they both came to the conclusion he was entitled to a drop. The drop at the Masters did not give him an unfair advantage because he dropped FURTHER away by a couple of feet, he still had to make an incredible shot. He couldn’t place the ball as near to the place of the previous shot, he had to perform a legal drop, which he did. What the cameras doesn’t show is the slope of the fairway in which he was playing from. The ball moving when he attempted to remove a twig, actually made his shot harder, not easier because the ball settled straight down, it didn’t roll. I believe if it was you looking down from the top, you probably wouldn’t have seen the ball settle down either. The scrutiny he under is unfathomable. The MAJORITY of people watching golf is because of him, and his EVERY move is watched and analyzed by thousands and thousands of people. How would you enjoy living in that fish bowl? No, he isn’t perfect, but that doesn’t make him a cheater.
Geoffrey
Nov 1, 2013 at 1:53 am
Minh, you are arguing that how a person acts in their personal life has no bearing or can show no glimpse into how they might act in their professional life. The majority of the people in this world show a strong correlation between personal and professional personality traits. It is a proven fact. That being said, I am not judging what Tiger has done in either arena. None of us know what hew as thinking or why he makes the decisions he makes. I am certainly not in any position to judge. None of us are. But to say that how one acts in one arena doesn’t give some sort of evidence to how they will act in the other. Naive to think otherwise…
Whether you or I agree with Kevco’s argument is less of concern to me than attacking his view as asinine. I try to believe the best in people, even those who go through public humiliations. But it is how they treat people on both sides of success that will shape my point of view.
Minh Nguyen
Nov 1, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Geoffrey, let’s flip the script. Before Tiger’s marital unfaithfulness was revealed, he was considered by many the best golfer in the world. His was on pace to tie/break Jack’s record of 18 majors. At that time, you could safely assume Tiger must work extremely hard at golf (i.e. practice, eat right, exercise, and practice some more).
Now, if we use your opinion that the “majority of the people in this world show a strong correlation between personal and professional personality traits” we would have to also assume Tiger was a hard worker when it came to being a husband and father. Due to the unfortunate circumstances, we know he wasn’t working all that hard at being a “faithful” husband. We still don’t know how he is as a father.
I hope that all makes sense. In regards to Kevco, I don’t see any issue with attacking his opinion. In my book that is called debating.
Geoffrey
Nov 2, 2013 at 8:36 pm
No issue, other than the term “asinine”. Otherwise all good. Now that you have flipped the script, I could also say he worked just as hard at filandering or covering it up as he did on his golf. Same logic, just change the thing in parallel.
Danny
Oct 31, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Brandel doesn’t need to apologize. You can all attack him for being a nobody, but he is right, Tiger should have been DQed twice this year (Augusta & The Players.)
He has a ton of fans that say otherwise, but Chamblee spoke the truth and the rest of the media is too far up Tiger’s a** to speak it too. Johnny Miller and Dan Hicks rolled over like dogs on the Players knowing that is they POed Tiger this would happen.
The Augusta drop would have gotten the rest of the field DQed. Lets be honest
TWShoot67
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:42 pm
Danny,
So your calling Casey Wittenberg a liar and a cheat, plus you know Tigers intent by watching a replay over and over in super slow mo with HD state of the art camera. All of this from the comfort of your home. So you were not there in person standing behind Tiger woods when he hit his wayward tee shot @ The Players but you know for a fact that Casey Lied tiger lied and so did the camera or no the camera is always 100% correct all the time. LOL Get real.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:13 pm
You are missing Danny’s point. It is that most aren’t willing to speak what they feel in regards to Tiger. The backlash is monumental, and that if miller and hicks were to be disagreeable, the backlash wouldn’t be worth it. That was his point.
edward davison jr
Nov 6, 2013 at 8:31 pm
I BELIEVE IN THE TRUTH AS THAT SEEMS A REASONABLE OUTCOME….THE SLOW MOVING HD MOVIES TELL IT ALL…AUGUSTA MASTERS OFFICIALS LIED…THEY CORRECTED HIS SCORECARD AFTER HE [TIGER] LEFT THE COURSE…AND TIGER NEVER SIGNED IT THAT NIGHT
nb1062
Oct 31, 2013 at 9:46 am
How long are you (GOLFWRX) going to keep harping on this? It’s as though you want to fan the embers of a story until it turns into something more.
TWShoot67
Oct 31, 2013 at 9:31 am
What I’d like to know is how many of us get graded at work for what we’ve done outside of work? Does your boss/job pay you less for treating your family indifferent? For all of you out there who have cheated on your wife /girlfriend, does anyone bring this up at your job 3-4 years later? Why is it that every time there’s any story about Tiger Woods the first line out of every haters mouth is well he cheated on his wife so that means he cheats at everything else he does in life! No one but Tiger knows what his INTENT was during these drops that were brought into question, but yet all the opposers sure think they know what Tiger was thinking. To give any player an “F” for a 5 win season on the PGA Tour is an absolute joke and should have never made the light of day. But what it did by being published was to serve two purposes promote Brandel Chamblee and Golf.com. Well it did served another purpose but that’s the most obvious of all, it gave the haters another forum to spew their hate of Tiger Woods.Bottom line Tiger didn’t CHEAT, if you feel his intent was to cheat then your saying Casey Wittenberg cheated as well and how come Chamblee isn’t writing about his cheating at golf since Chamblee cares so much about integrity? By calling out Tiger you also call out his playing partners, but yet they are never mentioned in any article by Chamblee. So in reality the article is not about the supposed cheating ( cheating would have meant he got away with it which Tiger never did) that bothers Chamblee, Cheating: It is generally used for the breaking of rules to gain unfair advantage in a competitive situation. Please tell me where Tiger gained an unfair advantage over anyone during these rule infractions. Tiger was assed the penalty so bottom line he did not cheat! How many times can we beat a dead horse.
edward davison jr
Nov 7, 2013 at 7:50 pm
TIGER IS THE CATAYST, HE IMPROPERLY DROPED THE BALL, HE SIGNED A FALSE SCORECARD, HE STOOD AND WATCHED AN OUTSIDE AGENCY MOVE A 500# impediment…so Tiger had a FULL SWING…No Penalty.
THE HONORABLE MASTERS RULES COMITTEE, MET, at Midnight changed Tigers score card, and had him resign the NEW CARD…WHEN DOES TIGER APOLGIZE…IT SEEMS A BILLIONARE PROFESSIONAL GOLFER SHOULD BE ABLE TO DROP A BALL INACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES..TIGER SAID, HIS DROP WAS IN FACT A BETTER LIE THAN THE FIRST ONE…RULE STATES AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE ORIGINAL LIE
Dave
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:44 am
The premise of this article, that Chamblee “apologized” twice, is dishonest. Chamblee talked about the article he wrote criticizing Tiger, but there was no “I am sorry Tiger feels that way” type of language.
If the author wanted to write about Chamblee’s follow up comments, that is fine. But why the silly “Chamblee apologized but really didn’t” angle?
Martin
Oct 31, 2013 at 6:32 am
Tiger is a bully, Chamblee was right on this stuff.
I think he is making a jab at how stupid Tiger’s reaction including the “It’s in the golf channels court now” comment.
It reminds me of the time when my Boss was giving me crap for something that really wasn’t my fault and he said “I’m not trying to be a jerk about this” and my response was ‘I know you’re not trying Harry”
He missed the sarcasm.
Jack
Oct 31, 2013 at 9:08 am
You got the roles reversed there bud.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Martin got it right.
jonathan
Oct 31, 2013 at 9:35 am
I don’t see how tiger “cheated” on the rules. If we had to see video of the ball dropping a millimeter, from BEHIND tiger, how the hell can he see it drop, instead of oscillate like he thought it did, from above the ball?
Also, was Dustin Johnson a cheater when he grounded his club in some sand and it cost him a win? If Tiger was cheating when he picked up the embedded ball, then DJ was cheating. That was lack of knowledge of a local rule.
The only rule that he really got wrong was the drop at Augusta. Bunch of tiger haters everywhere.
Alex
Nov 23, 2013 at 10:55 pm
I thought Tiger stopped removing the debris as soon as he saw the ball move. Watch the video
ED
Nov 7, 2013 at 1:50 pm
MARTIN, CERTAINLY A GREAT OBSERVATION, anyone can see the USGA rules breaking on HD VIDEO
Chris
Oct 31, 2013 at 3:49 am
Bumbelee isn’t very good but he was not far off in his assessment of Tiger. Unfortunately he did not stick to his guns and is in backpedal mode.
tiger168
Oct 31, 2013 at 12:52 am
What apology, he is “accusing” Tiger’s people “barking on the wrong tree”.
Are you kidding me?
Why would anyone interpret this is an apology is beyond me.
And he is saying the Golf.com EDITOR is to blame by printing his comments. WHAT??
He is perfect, he cannot be wrong! He is God!
Well he gets an “F” for being whatever he claims… And he is a “cheater” himself… wait, don’t defend him and accuse me, he “admitted” it…
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:18 pm
He didn’t blame the editor. He said he should have listened to him. All this revisionist history around here is hysterical. Don’t mean to be disrespectful, I dint want to have to give an internet apology, but come on. I think if we step back and read things or listen to exactly what people say there would be less to bitch about. But agendas and personal preference get in the way. For those who think that Brandel is jealous, has a vendetta, is racist, is a bum…. Seriously? It’s one thing to disagree, but to do so with venom is deplorable.
someguy
Oct 31, 2013 at 12:50 am
I know for 100% certainty this was staged by the Golf Channel. My wife works for a company that handles Brandel’s PR for his I Love Scottsdale campaign and she was eating breakfast with him yesterday morning when he was called and told he had to fly to Orlando and give an apology. He was not given any say in “apology,” and had to say whatever GC wanted him to say. The guy is a grade A jerk and is also dating a 26 yr old.
ams165
Oct 30, 2013 at 11:53 pm
Chumplee is a clown. He hates Tiger is Jealous of Tiger and I bet he has a streak of Racism running down his back.
Nobody else ware is as critical of tiger than Chumplee.
Please leave the GC. The sport will be better off without you…
blanco
Oct 30, 2013 at 11:59 pm
wurd.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 11:23 pm
Sad, really sad that you have such a divisive opinion about this. Prove it!
J
Oct 30, 2013 at 11:41 pm
Just another passive aggressive windbag who won’t stand beside what he said. Good for you Chamblee… Way to bow down again. Tiger Woods did have a rather ” liberal ” year so to speak. Screw all the off-course crap, for someone who wants to be known as the GOAT and for all his supporters who say he’s the GOAT….
Go learn the F’Ing rules if you don’t want people calling you a cheater….
And which of us didn’t know that ” oops ” drop at the Masters wasn’t the proper drop…
For gods sake…. Get real.
I hate Chamblee and root for Tiger just to be clear..
But I’m not dumb and Tiger seems to think we all are… So F Him.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:20 pm
You are awesome…
Matthew
Oct 30, 2013 at 11:06 pm
I’m not sure how you give an “F” for a 5 win season on the PGA Tour regardless of the player. Tiger was penalized for his rules violations – as I would suspect many other tour players were throughout the season. So, I’m not seeing Mr. Chamblee’s rationale that being assessed penalty strokes equals a failed season. The players championship drop was confirmed by Tiger’s playing partner – yet Mr. Chamblee still questions it which means Tiger is not the only one he’s calling a cheater. The unfortunate thing, kind of like the guy that yells “mashed potatoes” to get on TV, Mr. Chamblee has successfully linked himself in some small way to the best player to ever play the game. I really liked Mr. Chamblee when he started out and still enjoy hearing his analysis – I just don’t know why he’s decided to go this route of seemingly making everything about him.
ED
Nov 7, 2013 at 1:16 pm
In something of a bombshell at a recent court hearing, Vijay Singh’s lawyer accused the PGA Tour of repeatedly exempting players from testing and punishment under its anti-doping program. But no proof has yet to be made public.
Ryan
Oct 30, 2013 at 10:58 pm
I’m so sick and tired of people not standing beside what they say. Chamblee is paid to give his opinion; right, wrong, biased or indifferent and that’s exactly what he did. It all rings so hollow when people are forced to apologize when they obviously don’t mean it. You said it. Stand up, be a man and take the flak that comes from it. We really need to stop being so politically correct as a society.
Dave
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:47 am
Did you read this article? Chamblee did not apologize?
David Stewart
Oct 30, 2013 at 10:27 pm
I have to side with Chamblee. Tiger has been playing golf all his life. He knows the rules as well as anyone. I think he feels he can get away with anything because he is Tiger Woods. He cheated on his wife, lied about what course officials said, and always wines when he doesn’t get his way. Is this really who we want to be the poster child of golf. Not me.
Brandon Ramos
Oct 30, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Yet another tiger hater. I guess you live in a world built with no mistakes or errors. I bet you knowingly break the speed limit everyday while driving seeing the posted speed limit and disregarding. But again you stand in judgement of a man whos intentions you will never know. When you reach perfection let us know.
Geoffrey
Nov 1, 2013 at 1:57 am
Reached it… Wait, no I didn’t. Just made another mistake.
Leroy
Oct 30, 2013 at 11:31 pm
I am so sick of people using “he cheated on his wife” as a cop out and a dig at him. There are many other pro athletes that do the same thing, they just aren’t Tiger Woods, and aren’t under a microscope. At the end of the day, him cheating on his wife has absolutely nothing to do with any conversation regarding his golf talent. For what it is worth, if you want to talk about his personal life affecting his golf, maybe he should start cheating again, he seemed to be playing pretty well until he got caught.
Marcus
Oct 31, 2013 at 9:55 am
Did Chamblee find his 26 year old girl friend BEFORE he divorced his wife or after? Just wondering how pure he is?
Anyway…the posters above who state he did not apologize yesterday are correct, and in fact, he threw a few more insults Tiger’s way.
Chamblee isn’t “100% sure” of his intent to cheat but that suggests a percentage greater than 0% doesn’t it? He also suggests that Tiger and his people don’t investigate and discuss problems, they “bark up the wrong tree and yell at the wrong people.”
I was more disgusted with Chamblee after this continued attack than before. He should have kept his mouth shut of just simply said, “I’m sorry I said what I said…PERIOD” That would have been better than throwing more insults and defending himself as ‘doing my job’.
Chamblee…F on your makeup exam!
tiger168
Oct 31, 2013 at 12:58 am
Opinion cannot be the base for personal or character attack… then he receives the same treatment from everyone, like now…
Unfortunately…
moses
Oct 30, 2013 at 10:26 pm
Brandel lost any credibility he had left with that stunt he pulled. It’s obvious he’s had it out for Tiger for quite some time. But what he did crossed the line.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:23 pm
What obvious facts are there he has it out for tiger?
ED
Nov 7, 2013 at 1:47 pm
GEOFFERY, CHECK THE HD VIDEOS…IT SHOWS BILLIONAIRE PRO GOLFER TIGER WOODS, TW, CHEATIN…TIGER NEEDS A RULE BOOK IN HIS GOLF BAG
Geoffrey Alter
Nov 8, 2013 at 8:16 pm
That wasn’t my question… My question was what obvious facts are there that Brandel has it out for Tiger. I agree with your summation… That wasn’t what I was responding to.
Hunterdog
Oct 30, 2013 at 10:25 pm
This was so staged they should have simply televised the cue cards for the Q and A. But I guess a very nuanced practiced non apology is better than letting him answer real question
Elevatemel8r
Oct 31, 2013 at 7:39 am
Excatly, Btw why are we still talking about this? Don’t they both win because we are still talking about this?
Jud
Oct 30, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Its simply self promotion and he knows it. You know if you give the pga tour player of the year an F on his season, its going to cause controversy. He thought it would gain him notoriety and all the Tiger haters would come to his side. Unfortunately for him Tigers camp got involved and made him look like an idiot, who simply had an agenda to smear Tigers five win season.
Brett
Nov 1, 2013 at 2:09 am
Well put Jud. Brandel is a loud mouth that needs to go. Maybe he can join the senior tour soon and get throttled there also.
Kyle
Oct 30, 2013 at 9:46 pm
He’s a joke. Every time he talks I get more and more annoyed with him
Joe
Oct 30, 2013 at 9:42 pm
He does seem hard on tiger more so than others, but also provides good insight sometime, even if controversial.
Geoffrey
Oct 31, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Keep in mind the GC spend the majority of their time discussing Tiger. Therefore any analyst will be spending their time giving opinions on Tiger. Brandel, Nobilo, Whomever is there is talking about Tiger. They all talk about Tiger. All of them, all day long. Before his scandal they had a Tiger week for f$&@ sake…