Brandel Chamblee shoots down Presidents Cup criticism

This week’s Presidents Cup venue hasn’t exactly had ringing endorsements from some US players.

Brandel Chamblee, however, is having none of that.

Royal Montreal, the oldest golf club in North America, is set to host the biennial match for the first time since 2007.

Ahead of the match, world No.1 Scottie Scheffler said: “It’s a pretty simple golf course for the most part,” which leaves little need for discussion on the tee.

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“The golf course kind of presents itself to you, and you just have to go out there and execute,” he added.

His US teammate Sahith Theegala saw it similarly. “The front nine, I wouldn’t call it forgettable but a little more in front of you and almost boring,” he explained.

But that is where Golf Channel analyst Chamblee couldn’t disagree more.

“Yes, if only they could chop down all the trees, and move Royal Montreal to some sandy soil coastline,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Yes, if only they could chop down all the trees, and move Royal Montreal to the some sandy soil coastline. 😤
It’s a strategic, aerial, parkland course, where the defense comes not from the weather and firm conditions, but thick rough, trees, water and deep bunkers. https://t.co/DfkzZ0hTQD

— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) September 26, 2024

“It’s a strategic, aerial, parkland course, where the defense comes not from the weather and firm conditions, but thick rough, trees, water and deep bunkers.”

Founded in 1873, Royal Montreal has hosted its fair share of championships to prove a worthy pedigree.

The Quebec track has hosted the Canadian Open five times, most recently in 2014 – the others in 1975, 1980, 1997 and 2001.

Jim Furyk, who captains the American side at the venue this week, finished solo second when the PGA Tour event was last played at Royal Montreal.

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There were some positive reviews of the course this week, however. Collin Morikawa’s first impressions could hardly have been better.

“I have loved it,” the two-time major champ said. “Golf course is amazing, small greens, kind of fits to what I do.

“There is a lot of undulation, greens are running amazing. Just got to make a lot of the putts out here, as in any match play.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.