News
Chamblee: Brooks Koepka is “just not in the class” of Woods, Johnson or McIlroy
On Tuesday, Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee made an appearance on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio with host Hank Haney where Chamblee further explained and doubled down on his belief that Brooks Koepka is “not in the class” of Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, or Rory McIlroy.
The feud between Koepka and Chamblee escalated this week following the golf talking head describing Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy as the only players capable of challenging Tiger Woods as the best player in the world. Irked by the oversight, Koepka then published a photo of the analyst with a clown nose attached.
On Tuesday, Chamblee explained that he believes Koepka is a “heck of a player”, but moved to defend his stance that the American couldn’t win the 2019 Masters because of his “inability to move the ball right to left” and his “poor lag putting”, after some golf fans believed that the 29-year-old had proved Chamblee wrong after his runner-up finish.
“He made a double bogey on the second hole because he missed it left. That happens when you can’t comfortably swing it out and draw it around the corner. I said that his poor lag putting on the year would be an issue at Augusta National, and he three-putted five times. You know, you win and lose for reasons.
“I think Brooks (Koepka) is a hell of a player. I’ve said so I don’t even know how many times. He certainly wasn’t putting a clown nose on my face when I was lauding him all these years.”
Speaking on his omission from players Chamblee believes can challenge Woods at the top of the game, the golf analyst, in typical fashion, did not mince words. Chamblee explained that the reason Koepka does not possess the capability to challenge the 15-time major champ, unlike Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, is because both Johnson and McIlroy are both better drivers, iron players and are better around the greens than Koepka.
“It’s not to say Brooks Koepka isn’t a hell of a player, and he may grow into becoming an even better player. Most recently I just omitted him as a player who I thought could challenge for the best player, of Tiger Woods, and I said Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy were more in line with those players.
“I chose those players for very specific reasons. They’re better drivers of the ball than Brooks, they’re better irons players than Brooks for the most part, they’re better around the greens than Brooks. … Would I put him right there behind those players? Absolutely. Brooks is an amazing player, he’s just not in the class of the other players that I’ve mentioned.”
"I think Brooks is a heck of a player…. He certainly wasn't putting a clown nose on my face when I was lauding him all these years." – @chambleebrandel joined Hank Haney Golf Radio to share his comments on @BKoepka pic.twitter.com/ibEj47IqUo
— SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio (@SiriusXMPGATOUR) May 7, 2019
All quotes courtesy of SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio.
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News
Five Things We Learned: Thursday at the PGA Championship
It was a year ago that we the north, found ourselves with toes and fingers crossed. The Oak Hill PGA Championship of 2023 finished on schedule, despite the iffiness of weather in upstate New York. It’s 75 degrees today across the Niagara Frontier, which makes it two out of three (2022 was the same way) for sultry, unseasonal weather.
Louisville is, let’s be honest, a much better bet for a May PGA Championship, and Valhalla is an exciting venue for the year’s second major championship on the men’s circuit. Brooks Koepka came in as the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy arrived as the last golfer to win a major at the Nicklaus-designed course. That was a decade ago, and lord, have things changed in the world and golf.
Day one at Valhalla offered walk-in eagles, buckets of birdies, and potential for a record-low, winner’s score. We’ll get right to the meat of the matter, with five things that we learned. After all, if you can make par from the muck, anything’s possible in the land of the horses.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
1. X marks this spot
Xander Schauffele went head to head last Sunday with Rory McIlroy, at least on the practice green. By the end of the round, Rors had won for a fourth time at Charlotte, while the X Man sat scratching his head, wondering what went wrong. Fortunately for us, Xander didn’t sulk.
The San Diego State alumnus absolutely torched Jack’s track with 62. Four birdies on the front nine, were followed by five more on the inward side. Schauffele never looked as if bogey was a consideration, and he might have gone even lower. Despite winning the Covid-delayed Gold medal at the Japan Olympics (I consider it a major, btdubs) Schauffele continues to chase an initial men’s major, and the validation that it brings. If 62 doesn’t get you over the hump, who knows what will.
Cam Smith made par from here …#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/BY5ZFCiH45
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
2. Scottie starts strong? Aye.
Last month, Mr. Scheffler won a second green jacket at Augusta National. Last year in Rochester, Mr. Scheffler tied for second in this event. Mr. Scheffler began play today with a walk-in eagle, a one-hop affair that never looked as if it might go anywhere but to its home. Scheffler had a few rough holes, but that’s to be expected from a new dad. Each time he made bogey, he bounced back with birdie, so he has that short memory that winners crave. Surprisingly, Scheffler failed to manage one last birdie at the reachable 18th. Perhaps that miss will motivate him in round two.
Scottie’s shot was so nice we had to see it twice ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/eR1UUsyi3a
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
3. LIV Check-In
It’s good to check in on the departed from time to time, to ensure that the fellows formerly known as PGA Tour members are doing well. It’s safe to say that some of them can still play. Defending champion Brooks Koepka posted 67 on the day, He had an eagle and three birdies on the day, with only a stumble at the 17th. He’s tied for 7th. Bryson DeChambeau made an eagle of his own, but also had a bogey, at the 12th hole. He cohabits eleventh position with Cameron Smith, who ALSO had a bogey on his card. They are one shot behind Koepka, and a fistful more behind the leader.
ON THE MONEY ?
Bryson DeChambeau for eagle! #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/Gz24VikAGQ
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
4. Sahith and Tony at Schauffele’s heels
Both Finau and Theegala represent a special sort of athletic golfer. Their power and their charisma blend to draw golf fans to their groups. Let’s be honest, too, and say that they don’t look like the traditional professional golfer. As much as Tiger Woods did in the 1990s, they have the power to bring greater diversity to the sport.
In terms of their play today, well, only Xander was better. Finau had a clean card, with six birdies and twelve pars. Theegala had seven birdies, ten pars, and one bogey. Each combined power and finesse to insert themselves squarely in contention, ahead of round two. How will they, and Xander as well, manage the afternoon putting surface on Friday? That’s the great unknown!
SAHITH. THEEGALA. ?
This hole out puts him in a tie for the lead early at the #PGAChamp.
? @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/s3vLZNBQI7
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 16, 2024
5. All those other guys are here!
Rory, Tom Kim, Collin, and Viktor are all at minus-three or lower. Valhalla may not be a traditional golf course, but it is the type of course that the world’s best play well. McIlroy currently sits at minus-five, tied with Robert MacIntyre, Kim, and three others in fourth position. Maverick McNealy finished fast to reach the same figure, as did Tom Hoge. Morikawa closed with birdie to join the sextet at five below. Both Scheffler and Morikawa finished their rounds late on Thursday, meaning they should see smoother greens on Friday morning. If someone is a betting sould, wiser wagers could not be placed on better names than those two, two-time, major champions. Rory will tee off in Friday’s afternoon wave but, hey, he’s Rory, and he won going away last week at Quail Hollow, a course not unlike Valhalla.
The 2020 PGA Champion is making moves.
A solid approach shot from Collin Morikawa ?#PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/DpD7QNfbSM
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 16, 2024
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 PGA Championship
GolfWRX is on site this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, for the PGA Championship.
While we see fewer equipment changes and new gear seeding at major championships, we get a look at custom gear and looks into the bags of players we rarely see, which is just as exciting. In the case of the PGA Championship, this means a look at the gear some of the PGA Professionals who qualified for the tournament will be gaming, and LIV players, such as Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed.
Check out links to all our albums from Valhalla below and check back throughout the week as we continue to update.
General Albums
WITB Albums
- Michael Block – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Patrick Reed – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Cam Smith – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Brooks Koepka – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Josh Speight – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Takumi Kanaya – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Kyle Mendoza – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Adrian Meronk – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jordan Smith – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jeremy Wells – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jared Jones – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- John Somers – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Larkin Gross – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Tracy Phillips – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jon Rahm – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Keita Nakajima – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Kazuma Kobori – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- David Puig – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Ryan Van Velzen – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Brad Marek – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Chris Gotterup – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Rich Beem WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Phil Mickelson – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Matt Dobyns – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Lucas Herbert – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jason Dufner – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- John Daly – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Taylor Gooch – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Dean Burmester – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Joaquin Niemann – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Dustin Johnson – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
Pullout Albums
- Ping putter covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- Bettinardi covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- Cameron putter covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- Max Homa – Titleist 2 wood – 2024 PGA Championship
- Scotty Cameron experimental putter shaft by UST – 2024 PGA Championship
- Joaquin Niemann – new Ping putter – 2024 PGA Championship
- Brooks Koepka’s new Cameron putter – 2024 PGA Championship
- Rickie Fowler’s Cobra bag and Aerojet driver – 2024 PGA Championship
- Super Stroke grip – 2024 PGA Championship
- Tiger Woods – 2024 PGA Championship
- Michael Block’s new TaylorMade “Proto” 7-iron, from address – 2024 PGA Championship
- Odyssey putter covers – 2024 PGA Championship
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Scott Koontz
May 10, 2019 at 10:32 pm
LOLZ at Chamblee criticizing Brooks as a bad matchup for Augusta when the man comes in 2nd.
Dave r
May 10, 2019 at 10:52 am
Brandel how are you still employeed . Like really just get on your horse and ride off into the sunset. You need to get a reality check. I mute my tv every time you open your mouth to talk you so full of yourself . Man it must suck to be so perfect.
Jack
May 8, 2019 at 9:16 pm
How many regular tour events has Brooks won?
Brandon
May 8, 2019 at 8:51 pm
Chamblee is Stephen A. Smith in white face.
Tom54
May 8, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Koepka can’t win the Masters cause he can’t hit the draw when he needs it? Last time I checked a Mr Nicklaus won there 6 times and his preferred ball flight was a …………?
Larry hagel
May 8, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Who cares what the so called expert says. What’s he ever done in golf that matters.
Justin
May 8, 2019 at 6:32 pm
chamblee is correct. nothing he said is wrong.
Before we all get too excited about 3 majors in two years, I give you Padraig Harrington. Let’s see Brooks sustain this before anointing him above guys with 15 and 20 wins respectively. Too many people hate everything Chamblee says because its en vogue.
greg mcneill
May 8, 2019 at 5:37 pm
If he wasn’t controversial, he would be irrelevant. I don’t know if he really some of the stuff he says and writes or if he’s just taking positions that will get a rise from people. I think Brandel understands golf, is a student of golf and is a capable observer, but so are dozens of other former golfers. He has to find a way to stand out. This is another example.
Tim Armington
May 9, 2019 at 12:41 pm
I couldnt agree more!
Dave
May 8, 2019 at 3:03 pm
Isn’t this the same “clown” that said over and over that Tiger would NEVER win another major??? Why is he now calling Tiger the best golfer in the world?
David Johns
May 9, 2019 at 12:20 pm
He said he would never win another major with the swing he using a few years ago. He has since changed his swing and Chamblee changed his opinion (well before Tiger won a major or even a Tournament).
C
May 8, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Get this clown off the air, NOW !!!!!
sammy
May 8, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Chamblee is making his own best case for being obtuse.
Distance Compression Dude
May 8, 2019 at 12:27 pm
Brandel Chamblee is the Brandel Chamblee of golf.
Brent Mann
May 8, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Why do they keep giving this jerk a platform.
Erik Morden
May 8, 2019 at 10:58 am
Ok so is Chamblee high? Koepka has three majors with 2 in one year, that puts him one behind Rory and two ahead of DJ so how is Koepka not in the same class. They all hit the ball well they all have won at the highest levels how is Koepka different?
Justin
May 8, 2019 at 10:47 am
So Chamblee says his reason that Brooks is not in the same category as Rory is that he didn’t win The Masters. Remind me what year did Rory win The Masters? It is really hard for this man to admit that he was wrong.
Aj
May 8, 2019 at 10:55 am
Brooks has won 3 majors in 2 years Rory 0 Dustin 0
Andrew
May 8, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Aj you forgot to add Chamblee 0 in 20 years
judy crockett
May 9, 2019 at 12:27 am
I have never seen such a bare attack of jealousy on a golfer. Brandel you are clearly very jealous of the best striker of the golf ball on tour and his lack of response to your nastiness and hatred of his pure raw talent is eating you up. SHAME I feel sad for you being so alone.