Brandel Chamblee praises major champs for turning down LIV Golf

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee has expressed his gratitude to several big names who turned down LIV Golf.

The former PGA Tour winner thanked fellow Texans Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth and Will Zalatoris for declining lucrative offers.

Posting on X, the 61-year-old said: “As a Texan, I’m well aware of my bias, but bias withstanding, not enough can be said about the Texans who turned down the crazy millions to join LIV.

“Grateful to PGA Tour stars Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth who helped ensure the history of the PGA Tour by turning down tens of millions, but especially to Will Zalatoris, who as an injured but rising potential superstar told the Saudis (MBS) to stuff their 130 million dollar offer because he wanted to be, not only on the right side of history, but to create an inspiring legacy.”

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Masters champions Scheffler and Spieth both admitted they had lost trust in the PGA Tour ahead of the Scottish Open in July but have remained loyal to the circuit.

Scheffler was quick to admit he won’t be jumping ship, while Spieth was pursued in the breakaway league’s early stages.

While it was unclear how much the Saudi-backed startup was willing to pay for their services, an offer of $130 million was made to lure Zalatoris.

Ryder Cup vice-captain Fred Couples claimed that was the mouth-watering offer after an initial $35 million bid fell flat.

The 27-year-old has spent the majority of 2023 on the sidelines but chose not to make the move to LIV as he steps up his recovery.

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Chamblee also admitted last week that he was ‘concerned’ about Jon Rahm being persuaded to join Greg Norman’s league.

But the commentator went on to share his appreciation for rookies Pierceson and Parker Coody, in addition to Zalatoris.

He said: “(They) turned down multimillion dollar and potentially life changing offers because they believed legacy has more currency than hypocrisy.”

Pierceson, the grandson of Masters champion Charles Coody, revealed in June 2022 that he was offered a ‘multi-million dollar’ deal after wrapping up his senior year at university.

He said: “I might be sitting on my couch with millions in my bank account watching my friends play on the PGA Tour, and that would have been devastating.”