By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.
For comments: [email protected]
Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic. |
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1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT
Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”
- “After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”
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2. Understandably, Nelly WDs
Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”
- “A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”
- “It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
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3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat
Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”
- “The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”
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4. Zurich field notes
PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”
- “Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”
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5. Tiger’s teammates
Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”
- “The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”
- “I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”
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6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision
Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”
- “On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”
- “Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”
- “Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”
- “Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”
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7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice
Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”
- “While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”
- “Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”
- “Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”
- “I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.
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8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board
Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”
- “One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”
- “He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”
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9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants
PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29. |
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Brent
Jul 29, 2018 at 8:08 am
That face sums up everything I hate about him.
Jack Nash
Jul 25, 2018 at 8:59 pm
One would think if you reached #58 in the world you’d be able to hit the Senior Tour @50. Maybe Brandel figured a steady pay day @GC would be easier than trying beat old guys.
Walt Pendleton
Jul 25, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Com’on Brandell…you personally can’t say, “It’s with great humility – I was an extraordinary player!” The word extraordinary or humility have never been used to describe your go’f skills nor your personality traits.
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Yeah not extraordinary, just one in 12 million. Anyone who plays of single figures is extraordinary, let alone makes money as a pro.
Christian
Jul 26, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Hey Fang, The object of your affection shot an opening +5. Just eleven players were worse, and add Woosnam who withdrew. Mr. Chamblee could really use your support if you want him to play on the weekend with the leaders at -7. Say a prayer for two other commentators, Brad Faxon and Sir Nick Faldo, who are both at +4.
Jim
Jul 25, 2018 at 2:02 pm
Congratulations and good luck, Brandel from a guy who enjoys your observations and commentary about all things golf!
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:28 pm
Yeah not extraordinary, just one in 12 million. Anyone who plays of single figures is extraordinary, let alone makes money as a pro.
Dave r
Jul 25, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Brandel you go girl . Who’s going to cretic your swing and putting stroke when your done after round two. After all your criticisms of top notch players I thought you would crawl back under your rock and just go away. But no not so lucky we will never hear the end of it. Don’t let your elbow bend by trying to pat yourself on the back while trying to swing you’ll shank it.
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Dave, would you like to try that again in English?
Tartan Golf Travel
Jul 24, 2018 at 9:46 pm
Well done. I don’t understand the hate either. He is a commentator hence he is paid to give his opinion. Congrats. Play well.
rex235
Jul 24, 2018 at 7:53 pm
Congratulations to Brandel Chamblee on qualifying for the 2018 British Senior Open, to be held at the Old Course at St Andrews!
Stay out of the boonkers..
Christian
Jul 24, 2018 at 4:10 pm
A former PGA tour professional qualifies for the Senior Open. This is not surprising as those who play competitive golf in college and professionally have the edge in a qualifier. I think it is clear from the comments that Brandel is a polarizing figure. He is paid to be critical of players, but I would find it hard to be Frank Nobilo and not give him a nuggie and mess up his hair every time he pontificates as if he were the arbiter of professional golf.
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:31 pm
A lot of former PGA tour professionals didn’t qualify.
Christian
Jul 25, 2018 at 9:34 pm
What a bizarre and vapid attempt at trolling. Just what is the exact number of former PGA tour professionals who ATTEMPTED to qualify, but actually didn’t? My point is that it is not that unusuaI, and kudos for obtaining a spot. I said nothing to diminish his golfing career or ability. It will be interesting to see how he does up against those who train, play, and practice week in and week out on the PGA Tour Champions. Like many here, I find his commentating off putting in style and substance. It appears that you have appointed yourself as the protector of Mr. Chamblee and as such, what a sad existence you have carved out for yourself.
forgedforever
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:26 pm
“I was an extraordinary golfer. I say that with all humility” Brandel, congratulations on the achievement. But from what I have observed
over the years very little you say is with humility.
Andrew Cooper
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:23 pm
Well played Brandel. Impressive, given how long he’s been away from competitive golf. +$4m career earnings – obviously he can play and really has nothing to prove to anybody – but he still put his reputation on the line here and I know some would’ve loved to see him fail. Good luck for ST Andrews!
Curt
Jul 24, 2018 at 2:47 pm
I’m just not sure by this pic whether Brandel is trying to KISS the ball or hit it.
Geohogan
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:48 pm
The pucker is his way of saying, KISS my a…
to his haters!
rymail00
Jul 25, 2018 at 12:43 am
What do they call it, duck face or something dumb like that on Facebook (no idea I may be waaaay off on that)?
I’m happy for him for qualifying but if he plays horrible I hope they tear into to him like he does with other golfers (highly unlikely though). Kind of like if you can give the heat you better be able to accept it as well.
Just my $.02
Tom
Jul 24, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Are those bowling shoes he is wearing?
Smith
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:56 am
Would actually love to know what’s in the bag. If he hasn’t played seriously for some time, is he using his sticks that are a few years old, or is he a ho?
Ben Jones
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:52 am
Kinda reminds me of Tom Watson’s swing. Check it out on Youtube.
2putttom
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:47 am
well shoot. now he’s gotta find somebody to carry his bag. Any takers?
Commoner
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:26 am
Perhaps much of the criticism and even hate of Chamblee is based in contempt and envy of his intellect and articulateness, both of which put him in a superior grouping. He earned his way to this tournament and to the Tour (prior) while we were wishing we could!
Macualay Culkin Jr
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:39 pm
He is a self appointed intellectual. Like most academics.If he was truly as smart as he pretends to be he would not be a commentator on the Golf Channel.
P.S. I wonder how long it will be until his youthful wife dumps him for a younger man? Its bound to happen.
DB
Jul 24, 2018 at 2:14 pm
So you’re saying if he’s truly so smart he should have some skin in the game? He should do something like, I don’t know… qualifying for the Senior Open?
A wife dumps her husband for a younger man? Haha. No. Have you been around women IRL? Wives typically dump their husbands for higher-status men. Brandel is wealthy, on TV, and a professional golfer. Chances are he’ll be fine.
Commoner
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:01 pm
You are a small person.
Chuck
Jul 24, 2018 at 9:10 am
We have so many Brandel Chamblee comments all the time; I’m actually curious to see what he, as a non-regular non-tour player, is playing with this week. Brandel Chamblee WITB, please!
Tim J
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:47 am
Good for him. He is a pro golfer. Likely better than anyone reading this.
carl
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:30 am
no way he makes the cut. he does not have enough shaft lean
juststeve
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:30 am
The best you guys have is a comment about his lips at the top of his swing. Pretty weak.
DB
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:23 am
Good for him. I don’t understand the hate. To qualify for this event with limited practice time is pretty impressive.
Jamie
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:14 am
The cuck cries “hate” as he strikes you.
Briny Baird
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:02 am
Would love to see Tiger pick his swing apart.
larrybud
Jul 24, 2018 at 7:57 am
I have to give him props, to go out and fire a 69 after being away from competitive golf for so long is pretty impressive.
Square
Jul 24, 2018 at 4:21 am
Why the Tom Kite lips Brandel?
D
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:23 am
Great job Mr Chamblee!
Jamie
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:36 am
Neil Diamond, meet Brandel.
Moses
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:08 am
Great. Now we gotta hear him yammer about what a great golfer he is.
Curt
Jul 23, 2018 at 9:51 pm
Brandel – Dont do that with you lips in your transition. Please.
Matt
Jul 23, 2018 at 9:51 pm
Why is he performing the “duck face” mid backswing…? Brandel drives me nuts … ripped Tiger to shreds the last few years on how he was never going to win again… and then is on the Tiger bandwagon last weekend picking him to win. Now it is time to see how he performs!
Brian
Jul 23, 2018 at 8:41 pm
awesome. great to see him qualify