Did NBC golf analyst Brandel Chamblee treat Bryson DeChambeau fairly during the U.S. Open? Or did he let certain issues, namely DeChambeau’s alliance with LIV Golf, affect his commentary?
That issue sparked plenty of talk on social media during and after Sunday’s final round, which saw DeChambeau take home his second U.S. Open trophy. Most fans were convinced Chamblee was out to get DeChambeau.
Brandel Chamblee hates Bryson DeChambeau.
It’s beyond unprofessional.
I pray a NBC producer gets in his ear and says “you know you’re making it obvious, right?” #USOpen
— CHRIS TORELLO 𝕏 (@TorelloSports) June 16, 2024
There’s a history between the two. Chamblee has openly criticized DeChambeau in the past, specifically calling out his link to the Saudi-backed LIV. In 2022, he cited DeChambeau’s Christianity, and said, “I just wonder how he squares accepting money from a regime that is anti-Christian.”
And he’s been openly critical of the entire contingent of golfers who left for that circuit. Last year, when news broke of the proposed merger between LIV and the PGA Tour, Chamblee called it “one of the saddest days in the history of golf.”
So Chamblee, a former PGA Tour golfer, definitely has allegiances to that tour, while DeChambeau is one of the most prominent faces of LIV.
But back to the question at hand: Did that affect. Chamblee’s commentary Sunday? Many fans pointed out that the analyst complained several times about DeChambeau getting favorable lies in the wiregrass, implying luck played a key role in his final round.
How many times will Brandel Chamblee mention good fortune for DeChambeau? Guy just hit the bunker shot of his life, how about some respect?
— Projection Sports (@ProjSports) June 16, 2024
Brandel saying “good fortune” is why Bryson won the US Open is wild. Doesn’t even try to hide his hatred for him. Smh
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) June 16, 2024
Brandel is having a REALLY hard time with Bryson getting okay lies in the wiregrass 😂
— Andy Lack (@adplacksports) June 16, 2024
Chamblee and DeChambeau were seated together during the Golf Channel’s post-tournament coverage, and Chamblee treated him as one would expect an analyst to act in that situation. And some fans complained about that.
Brandel Chamblee is suddenly the head cheerleader for the Bryson DeChambeau media camp. After ripping him and other LIV golfers, suddenly Chamblee is talking about DeChambeau having the perfect swing, no defects. Please. Great win, but unpucker those lips. #GolfChannel US Open
— Kinder, Gentler, Softer NOT!!🥑 (@MediaMan666) June 17, 2024
Chamblee put himself in this situation, where fans might be tempted to accuse him of favoritism, with his outspoken remarks on DeChambeau and LIV Golf. No one expects broadcasters not to share opinions on the sport they cover, but they best prepare for blowback if fans suspect those opinions are affecting their supposedly unbiased analysis during events.
[Chris Torello]
