Columns

The Starter: A major case for Joaquin Niemann?

Brandel Chamblee puts Bryson DeChambeau and LIV Golf in his crosshairs; Should LIV Golf get (OWGR) points for trying and other questions.

🏌️ Scottie Scheffler scorched TPC Craig Ranch Thursday, posting a 10-under 61 in the first round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, taking a two-shot lead. Any Scheffler doubters out there?

LIV Golf Mexico City 2025
Joaquín Niemann on the 18th hole during LIV Golf Mexico City's opening round at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Naucalpan, Mexico, on April 25.

🏌️ Joaquin Niemann won his third LIV Golf title of the year, overtaking Bryson DeChambeau in Mexico City. Does Niemann still need major championship success to prove himself?

🏌️ After DeChambeau coughed up the final-round lead in Mexico City, he lashed out at the quality of the sand at Club de Golf Chapultepec. Should he have been looking at himself instead of the bunkers?

🏌️ Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee gleefully took a shot at DeChambeau, saying that because he makes so much money, DeChambeau should "quit complaining." Do you think Chamblee has ever complained about any aspect of his job?

🏌️ Chamblee also said LIV doesn’t "value the best conditioned courses," an apparent swipe at Chapultepec. Did anyone hear him criticize Chapultepec when it hosted a WGC event on the PGA Tour?

🏌️ Which poorly conditioned LIV courses is Chamblee talking about? Valderrama in Spain? Sentosa in Singapore? Hong Kong GC? Doral? Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Korea? Has he even attended a LIV event?

🏌️ According to reports, LIV is in serious discussions with the Official World Golf Ranking — again — about world ranking points. But OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman says LIV has yet to re-apply. Does LIV even have a chance this time, either?

🏌️ Collin Morikawa parted with longtime caddie J.J. Jackovac and hired Joe Greiner, Max Homa’s former caddie, who subbed for Justin Thomas’ injured man Matt Minister and won the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head. Is it the jockey or the horse?

🏌️ NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps along with TaylorMade President and CEO David Abeles have been mentioned as top candidates for the new position of CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises. Has anyone actually said what this for-profit company will do or how it will generate revenue?


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