Blog

Jan 12, 2024

‘Fantastic level of trolling’

Published on By It seems Bryson DeChambeau wants a part of this year’s Ryder

Published

on

By

It seems Bryson DeChambeau wants a part of this year's Ryder Cup, despite the OWGR "never being ready for LIV Golf," and some of the world's best unable to gather ranking points.

That phrase was used by LIV chairman Greg Norman, summing up his side of the argument for rewarding his top players and ranking them equally alongside their PGA Tour and DPWT rivals, and therefore putting them into contention for automatic selection.

None of it makes particular sense, with Talor Gooch sliding down the table despite a 12th place in Saudi, 34th at Augusta and back-to-back wins on the LIV tour, while four-time major champion Brooks Koepka needed a second place at Augusta to get back inside the world's top 40, despite a win at LIV Orlando.

With the Ryder Cup just four months away, performances like this must be catching the eye of US captain Zach Johnson, who recently said that, "No decisions have been made [about unqualified LIV candidates]. There's still a lot of time left in that regard, and so many fluid factors involved."

The counter-argument was summed up by Firepit Collective's Alan Shipnuck, who reported that, "Despite various misconceptions, they [LIV players] are eligible to play in the Ryder Cup. Dustin Johnson is a no-brainer, and so is Brooks Koepka. It helps that both live in Jupiter, Fla., and mix often with other top Americans during their off weeks. I think DJ and BK will be on Team USA".

With a solid Ryder Cup record and a recent 5-0 at Whistling Straits, the case for DJ is more than solid, while Koepka is flying on the alternative tour and was the best player on the park at Oak Hill last week.

Both may well be good things to make one-third of the six captain's picks, but the 2020 US Open champ has made it more than obvious that he will be a member of the defending team, seeking their first victory in Europe since 1993.

During the second round, as the wind blew, and the heavens opened, Bryson opened up an umbrella. Nothing unusual until seeing it was a Team USA Ryder Cup brolly.

Bryson making a subtle point with the umbrella? ?#USPGA #golf pic.twitter.com/Cdo3AFksP1

— Chris Williams (@YGlyn) May 19, 2023

Perhaps it was a reminder, to all, of the 19-9 thrashing inflicted upon this year's home side in 2021, or more specifically the 2.5 points he personally contributed. Perhaps it was a dig at the PGA of America, who jointly administer the biennial event with Ryder Cup Europe.

Bryson DeChambeau rocking the USA Ryder Cup umbrella is a fantastic level of trolling

— Craig Jones (@craigycraigo84) May 20, 2023

Brandel Chamblee and Brad Faxon in awkward standoff over Brooks Koepka's Ryder Cup fate

Bryson DeChambeau responds after being booed by fans at Oak Hill

Jimmy

May 23, 2023 at 4:08 am

The article says Bryson was trolling the PGA of America but why would he do that because it's the PGA tour of America that he left he still a member of the PGA of America which all golf professionals are a member of the two organizations are separate PGA of America and the PGA tour

Richmondman

May 23, 2023 at 3:34 am

They quit the PGA. They shouldn't play PGA events, including Ryder Cup.

Jimmy

May 23, 2023 at 4:06 am

It's not a PGA Tour event it's a PGA of America event …totally different organization.The PGA of America is the Golf Professionals….. the head pro at your local Club the ones that give lessons fix clubs.It's over a hundred years old.The PGA tour by contrast is for professional golfers golfers that make their living playing golf not working at a course.It was formed in the ’60s by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus because they thought they weren't getting the proper recognition and monetary Rewards.

kurt

May 23, 2023 at 7:43 am

you sir are a maroon

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment

Name *

Email *

Website

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Published

on

By

Following a wild week in the world of golf that saw the PGA Tour announce a merger deal with the Saudi PIF (Public Investment Fund), Rory McIlroy has lavished praise on PIF governer Yasir Al-Rumayyan.

McIlroy was speaking after his first round at the RBC Canadian Open, where the Ulsterman shot an opening round of 1-under par. Asked by media if had he previously talked or played golf with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, McIlroy revealed:

"Yeah, so I played a pro-am with Yasir in Dubai a few years ago. And then I’ve seen him — I was with him at a Formula 1 race randomly a couple years ago in Austin. I saw him in Dubai at the end of last year.

So he's obviously been in and around the golf world and obviously the wider sports world. So he's sort of, he runs in the same circles as a lot of people that I know."

Asked for his impression of the man, McIlroy spoke glowingly, saying:

"I would say he's an avid golfer. I think he really does like the game of golf. He likes playing it. He's a very impressive man. Harvard Business School. Runs 7 or 800 billions worth of dollars and invested in a ton of different companies. He's a very smart, impressive man."

Earlier this week, Rory spoke out on how he hopes LIV will now disappear following the stunning merger deal, saying:

"I still hate LIV. I hope it goes away. And I would fully expect that it does. And I think that's where the distinction here is. This is the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the PIF. Very different from LIV."

What the future of golf looks like and what LIV as an entity looks like going forward remains to be seen.

Published

on

By

After shooting 5-under 67 in his opening round at this week's RBC Canadian Open to grab a share of the round one lead, Chesson Hadley made some interesting comments to the media.

The 297th ranked player in the world was asked about the PGA Tour merging with the Saudi Arabian PIF, and concluded he may be owed something for "staying loyal" to the PGA Tour.

"Is it true that Jay said he's going to reward those who stayed loyal to the Tour? Did he say that?"

The interviewer said they weren't sure of the details of Monahan's statement, but Hadley continued.

"I think he said that about Rory and Tiger, didn't he? Anyway. I would like to be rewarded for some loyalty. I mean, I felt those guys didn't do the wrong thing, who went to LIV. They made a business decision. I don't hold that against anybody. But I would like to be rewarded for my decision to stay loyal."

There is no indication that Hadley ever received an offer from LIV.

The 35-year-old added that he's been in the dark just like the rest of us when it comes to the PGA Tour's plan going forward.

"The older I get the more I would like to be involved out here. But this is my 10th year and I kind of know how things go," Hadley explained. "I guess most of the time when they’re making changes they have a little bit more detail. Obviously we just have a very, very broad and general framework.

"So, there's some long-term things that I would like to see and some short-term things, obviously, we just don't know anything short-term. So, hopefully, they can get a move on it and they can start giving us some answers to a lot of the questions that we have. Because I, I mean, I know nothing. I know as much as you know."

He will tee it up on Friday at Oakdale Golf and Country Club for round two of the RBC Canadian Open.

Published

on

By

There was never going to be a low-key reaction to Tuesday's volcanic news of the the PGA Tour-PIF merger deal.

In the midst of the Canadian Open and Scandinavian Mixed, it seems every player has been asked their reaction to the stunning news. It has amazed many that Rory McIlroy – champion spokesman for the PGA Tour over the past few years – has even managed to swing the club this week, especially after receiving some abuse from those that clearly feel the system needs the chance to open up.

Away from the players, reporters have understandably hung on every word said by current PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan as well as McIlory, ultra pro-LIV Phil Mickelson and Brandel Chamblee, golf broadcaster and involved in some of the strongest public rows with Lefty and recent PGA Championship victor, Brooks Koepka.

Yesterday, Chamblee, analyst for Golf Channel, tweeted his thoughts on the potential linking up of the various organizations, boldly stating that he felt at some point, the merger would be blocked.

If it's not blocked by the player board, it will likely be blocked by the DOJ, and if not that regulatory committee, the senate … and then the regulatory review of the EU and equivalent bodies in Asia. This is a long way from being a done deal. https://t.co/XajJYQh3yC

— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) June 8, 2023

Responses were very much on the line that if stopped, players would go directly to LIV or a similar organization. Either way, that this would be a major problem for the PGA Tour (and associated companies).

The 60-year-old then appeared on the Rich Eisen Show to put across his position in person rather than via social media.

Host Eisen initially asked Chamblee how he was – referring to Koepka's brutal tweet once Monday's news had hit the media.

"I’m doing a welfare check on you – how are you?" asked the host.

His guest confirmed he was "very well," while laughing as he spoke.

"How do you take that tweet from Brooks?" asked Eisen before being told, "I laughed at it."

Chamblee then went to town, starting with a retort to Monday's insult.

"If you can find any laughter in that day, the fact that they thought it as a cause of celebration was quite humorous on the LIV side. I don't think they’re that bright,"

"Because if the deal goes through" Chamblee continued. "it will lead to the destruction of LIV, which means their boss – their route back to the PGA Tour – is Jay Monahan, and I believe, and their fine gets doubled, based on their gloating that day."

Chamblee then went on to say how he felt things might progress for the most vocal of LIV players should they be involved in the association.

"So, Phil, Brooks, Bryson, I don't think they fully understand the ramifications if the deal goes through. They are all out of a job."

Explaining his thoughts, Chamblee continued.

"They’ll have no place to play golf other than major championships, who haven't really made any movement to talk to LIV players, cos they have different parameters to the PGA Tour."

"But I tell you," he advised them, "their avenue back through golf is going to be a highly penalized one to play the PGA Tour."

Now getting into the swing of it, Chamblee gives his damning verdict on the player's behaviour over the past few months.

"They [Mickelson and Kopeka amongst others] wouldn't have done their case any favors with their quoting on social media."

Thanks to @chambleebrandel for the chat.

He thinks LIV is going away. I’m not so sure. Adult conversation within. https://t.co/xCOQ1MgzVA

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) June 9, 2023

Maverick McNealy WITB accurate as of the PGA Championship. Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond Plus (10.5 degrees @9.5) Shaft: Graphite...

Thomas Pieters what's in the bag accurate as of the PGA Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...

Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees) Shaft: Aldila Rogue M-AX 3-wood: Titleist TSR2 (15 degrees) Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei AV Blue 75...

Chris Gotterup what's in the bag accurate as of the Memorial Tournament. More photos from the event here. Driver: TaylorMade SIM2...

Is the future of golf balls finally here? PGA Tour players spotted testing OnCore "Genius" golf balls at Colonial

College golfer suffers gruesome on-course injury during NCAA Championship

Patrick Reed WITB 2023 (May)

Phil Mickelson says he ‘overpaid’ ex-caddie Bones ‘$1m more than any other player’ as he breaks silence on split

Erik Compton WITB 2023 (May)

Coolest thing for sale in the GolfWRX Classifieds (6/1/23): 1 of 12 Bettinardi Los Angeles Country Club putter

Morning 9: Rahm's hot Ryder Cup take | Zhang's new caddie | Poults backs Rahm

Report: 5-time PGA Tour winner blasted and called a cheat after taking part in scramble listed as 8.8 handicap