News

Brandel Chamblee qualified for the Senior Open

Published

8 years ago

Jul 23, 2018

Love him or hate him, you’ll now be able to watch him in the Senior Open Championship. That’s right, golf fans, Brandel Chamblee has qualified for the Senior Open—and the Golf Channel analyst did so in impressive fashion.

The 56-year-old arrived at Scotscraig Golf Club in Tayport, one of the four Senior British Open qualifying sites, the morning after coverage for the The Open concluded. Chamblee was on of 596 entrants trying to fill the 26 available spots.

And fill a spot he did, earning co-medalist honors with a 2-under 69.

The one-time PGA Tour winner stepped away from the sport in 2003. However, he told Golf Digest, the prospect of a Senior Open at St Andrews wasn’t something he could pass up.

He also told GD, “I get a chuckle out of people who try to denigrate my career…I was an extraordinary golfer. I say that with all humility. There are 25 million who play this game, and I was 58th in the world. I was a decent tour player. I played at the highest level for the better part of 15 years. At times I got damn close to being really good.

Chamblee hasn’t played a Tour event since the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2008. The Senior Open starts Thursday.

I ripped this one… right over the G in hotel. . . . Eons ago when I was just a kid, I spent the summer in Scotland, I hired a grizzled ol caddy for my first round at The Old Course, when I got to the 17th tee, I asked him for the line, to which he said… right o’er the G in hotel is uh line laddie and he laughed. It’s been uh line eva since for me.

A post shared by Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) on Jul 14, 2018 at 3:52pm PDT

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Ben Alberstadt

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

42 Comments

Brent

Jul 29, 2018 at 8:08 am

That face sums up everything I hate about him.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Fang
  
  Jul 25, 2018 at 7:30 pm
  
  Dave, would you like to try that again in English?
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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..

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Fang
  
  Jul 25, 2018 at 7:31 pm
  
  A lot of former PGA tour professionals didn’t qualify.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Geohogan
  
  Jul 24, 2018 at 8:48 pm
  
  The pucker is his way of saying, KISS my a…
  to his haters!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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
    
    Reply Report comment
Tom

Jul 24, 2018 at 2:29 pm

Are those bowling shoes he is wearing?

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
Ben Jones

Jul 24, 2018 at 10:52 am

Kinda reminds me of Tom Watson’s swing. Check it out on Youtube.

Reply Report comment
2putttom

Jul 24, 2018 at 10:47 am

well shoot. now he’s gotta find somebody to carry his bag. Any takers?

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
  - Commoner
    
    Jul 24, 2018 at 3:01 pm
    
    You are a small person.
    
    Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
Tim J

Jul 24, 2018 at 8:47 am

Good for him. He is a pro golfer. Likely better than anyone reading this.

Reply Report comment
carl

Jul 24, 2018 at 8:30 am

no way he makes the cut. he does not have enough shaft lean

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Jamie
  
  Jul 24, 2018 at 10:14 am
  
  The cuck cries “hate” as he strikes you.
  
  Reply Report comment
Briny Baird

Jul 24, 2018 at 8:02 am

Would love to see Tiger pick his swing apart.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Square

Jul 24, 2018 at 4:21 am

Why the Tom Kite lips Brandel?

Reply Report comment
D

Jul 24, 2018 at 3:23 am

Great job Mr Chamblee!

Reply Report comment
Jamie

Jul 24, 2018 at 12:36 am

Neil Diamond, meet Brandel.

Reply Report comment
Moses

Jul 24, 2018 at 12:08 am

Great. Now we gotta hear him yammer about what a great golfer he is.

Reply Report comment
Curt

Jul 23, 2018 at 9:51 pm

Brandel – Dont do that with you lips in your transition. Please.

Reply Report comment
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!

Reply Report comment
Brian

Jul 23, 2018 at 8:41 pm

awesome. great to see him qualify

Reply Report comment

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