Brandel Chamblee: LIV Golfers in PGA Tour Signature Events Would Spark Major Controversy
Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee strongly opposed the idea of allowing LIV Golf players to compete in PGA Tour Signature Events, claiming it would cause "uproar" among Tour players.
During a discussion at The Players Championship, Chamblee responded to Paul McGinley's proposal for unity between the circuits, arguing that LIV players must earn their way back to the PGA Tour. He cited performance data showing LIV's top 10 players averaged 43rd place finishes in Majors, significantly worse than PGA Tour counterparts.
Chamblee also dismissed the proposed team event integration, stating "there's absolutely no objective evidence, anywhere, that there is an appetite for team events." He rejected the suggestion of PGA Tour players participating in LIV's finale, arguing it would set them up for failure in an "unpopular" format.
Man wearing suit at conference speech
Addressing calls for a more global tour, Chamblee defended the PGA Tour's existing international presence:
- Current events in Japan, Canada, Mexico, UK, and Ireland
- Historical events in China
- Korn Ferry Tour presence in Latin America and Australia
- Strong corporate interest and philanthropic foundation
"The PGA Tour has done more than its fair-share to spread goodwill and competition globally. It shouldn't fall on the PGA Tour to solve those problems," Chamblee concluded.
The debate continues as golf's governing bodies work toward a potential agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with key stakeholders divided on how to best integrate the two circuits.