Brandel Chamblee has once again stirred controversy over LIV Golf following the release of TV ratings for The Players Championship 2025. Reports indicate that the Golf Channel attracted 1.5 million viewers for the playoff between Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun. Chamblee, an outspoken critic of LIV Golf, compared these figures to last year’s LIV Golf Chicago event, which saw significantly lower viewership despite featuring Jon Rahm.
Highlighting a decline in PGA Tour ratings, Chamblee pointed out that The Sentry 2025 had only 461,000 viewers, a drop from 707,000 in 2024. He also dismissed LIV players like Joaquin Niemann and Talor Gooch as overrated, arguing that their performances in major tournaments do not justify the hype surrounding them. His criticisms reflect his longstanding stance that LIV Golf undermines the sport’s integrity and prestige.
Chamblee’s remarks have sparked reactions from top LIV Golf stars, including Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, who have defended their decision to join the Saudi-backed league. Despite LIV Golf’s financial backing, Chamblee insists that its lack of historical significance and competitive depth diminishes its appeal. The ongoing debate continues to divide the golf community, with fans and analysts weighing in on the sport’s evolving landscape.
