Brandel Chamblee is unquestionably one of the most outspoken critics of LIV Golf in the game right now.
Chamblee is well-known in the professional game as a no-nonsense, straight-talking analyst and in fairness, that’s why he is so popular.
The former PGA Tour player regularly shares his views on LIV Golf, constantly highlighting the Saudi-backed outfit’s lack of popularity in the golfing world.
Chamblee has outlined his belief that LIV golfers should not be able to seamlessly return to the PGA Tour.
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However, with no World Ranking points currently available on LIV, more of their players could potentially leave at some point in the near future unless something changes.
LIV is still not recognized by the OWGR and the Saudi-backed outfit have made some changes in order to stand more of a chance of gaining ranking points, including switching to 72-hole events.
However, that hasn’t made a difference yet.
Brandel Chamblee delivers LIV Golf World Ranking points verdict
Last week, the OWGR released a statement about LIV’s application for ranking points.
It was a totally non-committal statement that left fans with more questions than answers.
When speaking on Trey Wingo’s YouTube channel, Chamblee was asked for his opinion on LIV’s chances of actually obtaining World Ranking points.
“Yeah, look, I’ll applaud the World Rankings. You know, they’ve taken it on the chin a lot,“ Chamblee said.
“They’ve been criticised a lot because they don’t calculate LIV players to whatever extent, in majors they calculate them, but otherwise they don’t.
“And so you essentially have two world ranking systems. You have those on Data Golf, which do measure LIV events, and good for them. I mean, I’m glad they do.
“If you want to get some idea where LIV players are competing and how they’re measured, that’s great.
“But I really do applaud the World Rankings for holding firm with the process and what it takes, because if you look at LIV, if we just look at it from a purely competitive standpoint, participation in LIV is not based upon earned status. You get there by invitation.“
Chamblee cannot hide his hatred for LIV but the truth of the matter is that everything he said there is hard to argue against.
LIV Golf is not and never will be a meritocracy, and that is something that may well hold them back from ever achieving their end goal.
Brandel Chamblee makes LIV Golf ‘exhibition’ claim
While Chamblee may sometimes go overboard with his criticism of LIV, it’s genuinely hard to argue against the points he makes.
The straight-talking golf analyst responded when asked whether the OWGR are actually doing the right thing by not granting LIV ranking points, for the time being at least.
He said: “So, you know, right from the start, it’s not a serious competition. It’s not about earned status. 54 holes is is not about endurance.
“It reduces the level of skill, while exposing the sport to more variability. It’s not about rising stress and tension because the leaders don’t finish last.
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“So all of those things are a knock against it, but none more so than the first. Your participation in LIV is by invitation. You don’t earn it. And there’s no serious relegation, there’s no serious promotion.
“There’s just an unserious form of competition. Well, it is an exhibition. Because when you are chosen to perform versus earning your right to perform, it becomes an exhibition. So it is just an exhibition.
“So to the World Golf Rankings, I tip my cap to them for toeing the line here.“
Again, the American made a whole host of valid points there.
However, the fact that he highlighted LIV events being played over 54 holes slightly cheapens his argument.
As we all know, LIV switched up to 72-hole events ahead of the 2026, and that will surely stand them in good stead with regard to their application for World Ranking points.
Even so, Chamblee clearly still won’t be on board.
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