Wednesday
Sep282016
Manspat Alert: Brandel Chamblee & David Duval Go Extra Holes Over Leadership
A lively, 24-hole Live From match broke out between Brandel Chamblee and David Duval over leadership. 
The debate got a bit touchy at this point:
Duval: "Well having actually been out there and done it, there's more to it than just what the stats say."
Chamblee: "You think that actually having to be out there to do it, determines whether or not you can pass judgement on it or not? I wasn't at the Boston Tea Party but I can tell you all about it."
Duval: "OK, well I know you're never wrong. I understand that."
The clear plastic sheeting adds a nice Dexteresque feel to the scene...
Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 05:40 AM
Reader Comments (38)
As a fan of golf, I gave the manspat to DD on points. (or his team experience)
(Hey, glad to see comments are back on Shack!)
Tiger used a version of intimidation with body language, clothing and his style of play as one of his tools during his incredible run. Could you imagine the pressure you would feel as his partner? His singles record speaks for itself.
With Phil, could you imagine playing from where he typically drives the ball? Very few have ever played that could shoot any kind of respectable score from some of the spots he hits his tee shots. Talk about taking you out of your typical rhythm on the course.
Azinger's use of like personality types to assemble teams was genius and shows the power of creating comfort and reducing tension in these matches.
One other note, Nobilo's reference to momentum, later used by Duval also holds very true. Momentum is the most powerful feeling in sport and empowers the athlete to reach a level of performance which they usually cannot maintain. Seve established a sense of team which cleared the pathway for the Euro's to grasp the hand of momentum; a "feeling" that resonated for so many years. It will be interesting to watch this year's Euro team as many of it's players did not have the benefit of being part of Seve's bandwagon.
Phil thinks he is the smartest guy on the course; when in fact he is the smartest guy at finding excuses for his own failures.
There were no saints in the battle...Duval may have played the experience card but Chamblee rudely and intentionally interrupted every Duval sentence just as it began ie he had no idea what Duval might say but was merely attempting to drown him out.
the whole reason TGC has Duval on in the first place is that he HAS been there and can offer a perspective and analysis that the other guys - even pros like Chamblee and Nobilo - cannot. Duval's perspective is valuable irrespective of whether Chamblee agrees or if it ultimately turns out to be right. all the rest is Chamblee showing his own insecurity (i say that as someone who enjoys Brandel's work, especially his willingness to take a contrry position). there is plenty of room on that stage for both positions.
+1 pblackmar
RE: Phil Mickelson. My father-in-law SWEARS (based on multiple "buddies" who "know a guy...") that Phil is every bit as great as he seems on TV and wouldn't dream of undermining other team captains, but I can't shake the suspicion that Phil's public image (including his personal life) is at least partly manufactured theater, calculated to drive up his endorsement value (another aspect of Arnie's life that Phil works hard to emulate). Now, turning your entire life, including your family, into public theater requires a rare sort of person who is a little narcissistic, very controlling and calculating, and highly intelligent - but who believes he is even smarter than he really is - someone who thinks he can fool all of the people, all of the time. How does any of that NOT sound like Phil Mickelson?
Some have written (including in comments here) that Phil is the common thread in our Ryder Cup failures. While it's impossible to say if he's played a role in our losses, Phil is certainly the only recent team member I can think of to criticize a teammate (a Captain at that, and during the competition!). Based on all of the above you have to wonder what else he's done behind the scenes in previous Ryder Cups, and what negative effect it may have had on team performance.
I watched it live and it was uncomfortable, reminding me of the days of Peter Kessler on live TV going off on Rosaforte about posting handicap scores or going after Arnold for using a non-conforming driver. Such are the risks of live TV, along with the rewards as was seen on GCs live marathon on Sunday night after AP passed away, which was simply outstanding.
In this case I found Brandel's arrogance a bit much to take. Maybe I am based because I really like Duval and wish he would have a larger role on GC, and I suspect that may be threatened because of Chamblee's behavior.
I've never head another pro say "I'm such an idiot" after loosing a major. That's not making excuses. Just say "I don't like Phil" instead of making stuff up that you think makes you sound smart, but in fact shows that you don't have a clue about which you speak.
@ Persimmonious:
Phil has earned his position as an elder statesman of the Ryder Cup, by putting himself on the team with repeated and consistent play - year in and year out - frankly pretty remarkable in it's own right.
He's a Hall of Fame player - still actively playing and competing.
Tom Watson did a horrible job - possibly the 'polite' thing to do might have been to shut up, but Phil earned his right to speak up by virtue of his experience. He wasn't some rookie, speaking out of turn.
Most of your criticisms can probably be summed up by saying it's pretty clear he actually cares about the Ryder Cup more than a number of his American contemporaries.
As far as your theory that his 'whole life' is an act of theater - just give up. You are another guy who'd earn more respect if you just said "I don't like Phil." Quit trying to justify your dislike with manufactured scenarios that don't exist in reality. The Kardashians are people who put their whole lives out for public consumption - the Mickelsons are NOT.
I know he has some opinions that people don't like, but
It can't always be that he doesn't like someone.
It is painfully apparent that Brandel has a huge chip on his shoulder. The fact is - if he'd concentrate more on not criticizing players and making incendiary remarks, no one would feel compelled to remind him that his career on tour doesn't match up with those he continusouly bashes. But if you're gonna step in the ring and punch a guy below the belt - you shouldn't be surprised if a few low blows come your way in the exchange.
Duval is a huge compliment to the Golf Channel, and I've very much enjoyed his contributions. I used to think the same thing about Brandel, but that was back before he became obsessed with nitpicking Tiger Woods to death. Now that Tiger's not playing - he's gotta find another punching bag. The difference however is that Phil won't ignore it like Tiger did all those years.
Could not agree with you more, on all points, but especially that Duval is a very welcome addition to TGC. Thoughtful, eloquent and informative.
Not a BC fan, but it was surely entertaining! lol
He's a chatty journeyman and statistics wonk with a gift for gab. I like him, but as Duval alluded, he's not right all the time.
Excellent television, up there with Nobilo vs. Chamblee last year.
In 18 hole match's, remember that Davids have a much better chance against Goliath's. The Goliath's are are like marathoners, conditioned for 72 hole tournaments.
Heck, every town has a hot scrappy player that can play 18 holes on his best day with a Tour player, not 72 holes!
PLAYER THAN TIGER OR PHIL DURING THE RYDER CUP, HENCE HIS RECORD.
I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT HE EXCORIATES PHIL FOR HIS COMMENTS ON HAL SUTTON YET BLAMES TIGER AND PHIL FOR THE LOSSES.
PLAYER THAN TIGER OR PHIL DURING THE RYDER CUP, HENCE HIS RECORD.
I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT HE EXCORIATES PHIL FOR HIS COMMENTS ON HAL SUTTON YET BLAMES TIGER AND PHIL FOR THE LOSSES.
pairing, Brandel went on and on about how he never would have sent them out, their stats were so bad, on and on...he forgot, and so did the others, that they both are major champions, made the team on points...
And a PGA Champion! And a 2015 OPEN Champion! Nobody gave them those victories, they WON. He didnt bother with the fact they are both top notch putters. I predict a win for the third match, due to the grit factor.
Love the comments being back...
Route 66
Time to put BC out to pasture.
Time to put BC out to pasture.