Here’s a deeper dive into the tensions between Brandel Chamblee, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson — how they’ve clashed, what’s being said now, and why people say Mickelson would “approve” of DeChambeau’s retort.
Background: Chamblee vs. Mickelson & LIV Golf
To understand where the animosity comes from, it helps to go back a bit:
Brandel Chamblee is a longtime golf analyst (on Golf Channel) and has frequently voiced sharp criticism of LIV Golf and the players who’ve joined it.
When Phil Mickelson joined LIV Golf, Chamblee didn’t pull punches. For example, Chamblee criticized comments Mickelson made about the skill level in LIV, calling them “insanely idiotic.”
Mickelson, in turn, has responded publicly on social media. For instance, after Chamblee attacked him, Mickelson posted:
> “Poor Brandel … He can rip apart me and countless others but as soon as someone shows his ignorance he can’t handle it. He’s softer now than he was as a player.”
So there is a history of sharp barbs going back and forth between Mickelson and Chamblee — a kind of ongoing feud or rivalry.
Because of that history, when DeChambeau throws a concise “clapback” at Chamblee, people see echoes of the style Mickelson has used. They believe Mickelson would appreciate a short, pointed reply rather than a long debate.
The Current Clash: Chamblee vs. DeChambeau
What Chamblee is saying now
As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, Chamblee has directed criticism at DeChambeau, especially focusing on:
1. His priorities
Chamblee has claimed that DeChambeau focuses more on his YouTube channel and self-promotion than on the team dynamic required at events like the Ryder Cup.
2. Questioning his YouTube metrics
Chamblee has called DeChambeau’s viewership “dubious,” suggesting bots might inflate his numbers.
3. Team chemistry doubts
He’s argued DeChambeau is an “odd duck” who struggles to blend into team environments, calling him a “captain’s nightmare.”
> “He has so many potential bulletin board mistakes … he’s an odd duck when he’s trying to blend in with the team … I think he would be a captain’s nightmare.”
4. Calling him a “circus-barker”
In one broadcast, Chamblee asserted that DeChambeau turns to showmanship to drum up interest:
> “He’s trying to drum some interest up for himself … when he does come out, there’s a bit of a circus-barker element.”
Despite all this, Chamblee does sometimes concede that DeChambeau has undeniable talent. But his critique centers on character, motives, and whether he fits well in a team event.
How DeChambeau responded (the 5-word clapback and beyond)
When asked whether he had a response to McIlroy’s comments (via Chamblee’s framing), DeChambeau replied:
> “Did Brandel say something yesterday? I don’t know what it was.”
That’s the “5-word clapback” people refer to — short, dismissive, implying he isn’t really concerned with Chamblee’s critique.
In other replies, DeChambeau has said he’s trying to inspire youth and develop his YouTube audience, rather than getting caught up in narratives.
Team USA’s leadership and teammates have backed him. U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley said DeChambeau brings “energy” and that he wants authenticity, not virtue signals.
Also, teammate J.J. Spaun defended DeChambeau’s efforts to integrate, saying he’s gone out of his way (e.g. attending team dinners) to be part of the group.
Why People Believe Mickelson Would Approve
Because Mickelson has used succinct, punchy responses to critics, many see a stylistic parallel when DeChambeau replies with a quick, dismissive phrase instead of a long rebuttal.
Given Mickelson’s own clashes with Chamblee, fans and commentators imagine he’d appreciate someone else cutting through criticism with a sharp line rather than getting bogged down in debate.
Also, Mickelson’s approach has sometimes been more about attitude and swagger than formal argument — and DeChambeau’s “clapback” fits that mold.