News
Brandel Chamblee qualified for the Senior Open
Love him or hate him, you’ll now be able to watch him in the Senior Open Championship. That’s right, golf fans, Brandel Chamblee has qualified for the Senior Open—and the Golf Channel analyst did so in impressive fashion.
The 56-year-old arrived at Scotscraig Golf Club in Tayport, one of the four Senior British Open qualifying sites, the morning after coverage for the The Open concluded. Chamblee was on of 596 entrants trying to fill the 26 available spots.
And fill a spot he did, earning co-medalist honors with a 2-under 69.
The one-time PGA Tour winner stepped away from the sport in 2003. However, he told Golf Digest, the prospect of a Senior Open at St Andrews wasn’t something he could pass up.
He also told GD, “I get a chuckle out of people who try to denigrate my career…I was an extraordinary golfer. I say that with all humility. There are 25 million who play this game, and I was 58th in the world. I was a decent tour player. I played at the highest level for the better part of 15 years. At times I got damn close to being really good.
Chamblee hasn’t played a Tour event since the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2008. The Senior Open starts Thursday.
With the second major of 2026 now behind us, the PGA Tour arrives in Texas for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.
GolfWRX Tour Photographer, Greg Moore, is on site at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, and he’s already captured several WITBs and a look at some new colorways of just-spotted L.A.B. Golf VZN.1i putters.
Check out links to all our photos below.
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See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
Aaron Rai upset the odds to win his first major championship on Sunday at Aronimink, firing a final round of 5-under par to see off his competitors and claim the winner’s check for $3,690,000.
Jon Rahm and Alex Smalley were the best of the chasing pack, with both men sharing runner-up spot which was good enough for each to receive a check for $1,804,000.
With a total prize purse of $20.5 million up for grabs, here’s a look at how much each player won at the 2026 PGA Championship.
Players who missed the PGA Championship cut each received $4,300 each.
1: Aaron Rai, $3,690,000
T2 : Jon Rahm, $1,804,000
T2 : Alex Smalley, $1,804,000
T4: Justin Thomas, $843,866
T4: Ludvig Aberg, $843,866
T4: Matti Schmid, $843,866
T7: Cameron Smith, $637,050
T7: Rory McIlroy, $637,050
T7: Xander Schauffele, $637,050
T10: Kurt Kitayama, $496,707
T10: Chris Gotterup, $496,707
T10: Justin Rose, $496,707
T10: Patrick Reed, $496,707
T14: Matt Fitzpatrick, $364,762
T14: Scottie Scheffler, $364,762
T14: Max Greyserman, $364,762
T14: Ben Griffin, $364,762
T18: Maverick McNealy, $229,128
T18: Jordan Spieth, $229,128
T18: Stephan Jaeger, $229,128
T18: Padraigh Harrington, $229,128
T18: David Puig, $229,128
T18: Harris English, $229,128
T18: Min Woo Lee, $229,128
T18: Joaquin Niemann, $229,128
T26: Nick Taylor, $125,523
T26: Alex Noren, $125,523
T26: Cameron Young, $125,523
T26: Andrew Novak, $125,523
T-26: Daniel Hiller, $125,523
T26: Tom Hoge, $125,523
T26: Sam Burns, $125,523
T26: Hideki Matsuyama, $125,523
T26: Bud Cauley, $125,523
T35: Christiaan Bezuidenhout, $78,805
T35: Patrick Cantlay, $78,805
T35: Ryo Hisatsune, $78,805
T35: Daniel Berger, $78,805
T35: Ryan Fox, $78,805
T35: Haotong Li, $78,805
T35: Aldrich Potgieter, $78,805
T35: Si Woo Kim, $78,805
T35: Martin Kaymer, $78,805
T44: Chris Kirk, $53,743
T44: Matt Wallace, $53,743
T44: Shane Lowry, $53,743
T44: Jhonattan Vegas, $53,743
T44: Denny McCarthy, $53,743
T44: Chandler Blachet, $53,743
T44: Taylor Pendrith, $53,743
T44: Dustin Johnson, $53,743
T44: Nicolai Hojgaard, $53,743
T44: Michael Kim, $53,743
T44: Kristoffer Reitan, $53,743
T55: Collin Morikawa, $34,186
T55: Corey Conners, $34,186
T55: Andrew Putnam, $34,186
T55: Brooks Koepka, $34,186
T55: Mikael Lindberg, $34,186
T60: Sami Valimaki, $29,218
T60: Sahith Theegala, $29,218
T60: Rico Hoey, $29,218
T60: Rickie Fowler, $29,218
T60: Brian Harman, $29,218
T65: Casey Jarvis, $26,900
T65: Jason Day, $26,900
T65: Rasmus Hojgaard, $26,900
T65: Keith Mitchell, $26,900
T65: Sam Stevens, $26,900
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Brent
Jul 29, 2018 at 8:08 am
That face sums up everything I hate about him.
Jack Nash
Jul 25, 2018 at 8:59 pm
One would think if you reached #58 in the world you’d be able to hit the Senior Tour @50. Maybe Brandel figured a steady pay day @GC would be easier than trying beat old guys.
Walt Pendleton
Jul 25, 2018 at 4:22 pm
Com’on Brandell…you personally can’t say, “It’s with great humility – I was an extraordinary player!” The word extraordinary or humility have never been used to describe your go’f skills nor your personality traits.
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Yeah not extraordinary, just one in 12 million. Anyone who plays of single figures is extraordinary, let alone makes money as a pro.
Christian
Jul 26, 2018 at 10:34 pm
Hey Fang, The object of your affection shot an opening +5. Just eleven players were worse, and add Woosnam who withdrew. Mr. Chamblee could really use your support if you want him to play on the weekend with the leaders at -7. Say a prayer for two other commentators, Brad Faxon and Sir Nick Faldo, who are both at +4.
Jim
Jul 25, 2018 at 2:02 pm
Congratulations and good luck, Brandel from a guy who enjoys your observations and commentary about all things golf!
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:28 pm
Yeah not extraordinary, just one in 12 million. Anyone who plays of single figures is extraordinary, let alone makes money as a pro.
Dave r
Jul 25, 2018 at 12:38 pm
Brandel you go girl . Who’s going to cretic your swing and putting stroke when your done after round two. After all your criticisms of top notch players I thought you would crawl back under your rock and just go away. But no not so lucky we will never hear the end of it. Don’t let your elbow bend by trying to pat yourself on the back while trying to swing you’ll shank it.
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Dave, would you like to try that again in English?
Tartan Golf Travel
Jul 24, 2018 at 9:46 pm
Well done. I don’t understand the hate either. He is a commentator hence he is paid to give his opinion. Congrats. Play well.
rex235
Jul 24, 2018 at 7:53 pm
Congratulations to Brandel Chamblee on qualifying for the 2018 British Senior Open, to be held at the Old Course at St Andrews!
Stay out of the boonkers..
Christian
Jul 24, 2018 at 4:10 pm
A former PGA tour professional qualifies for the Senior Open. This is not surprising as those who play competitive golf in college and professionally have the edge in a qualifier. I think it is clear from the comments that Brandel is a polarizing figure. He is paid to be critical of players, but I would find it hard to be Frank Nobilo and not give him a nuggie and mess up his hair every time he pontificates as if he were the arbiter of professional golf.
Fang
Jul 25, 2018 at 7:31 pm
A lot of former PGA tour professionals didn’t qualify.
Christian
Jul 25, 2018 at 9:34 pm
What a bizarre and vapid attempt at trolling. Just what is the exact number of former PGA tour professionals who ATTEMPTED to qualify, but actually didn’t? My point is that it is not that unusuaI, and kudos for obtaining a spot. I said nothing to diminish his golfing career or ability. It will be interesting to see how he does up against those who train, play, and practice week in and week out on the PGA Tour Champions. Like many here, I find his commentating off putting in style and substance. It appears that you have appointed yourself as the protector of Mr. Chamblee and as such, what a sad existence you have carved out for yourself.
forgedforever
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:26 pm
“I was an extraordinary golfer. I say that with all humility” Brandel, congratulations on the achievement. But from what I have observed
over the years very little you say is with humility.
Andrew Cooper
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:23 pm
Well played Brandel. Impressive, given how long he’s been away from competitive golf. +$4m career earnings – obviously he can play and really has nothing to prove to anybody – but he still put his reputation on the line here and I know some would’ve loved to see him fail. Good luck for ST Andrews!
Curt
Jul 24, 2018 at 2:47 pm
I’m just not sure by this pic whether Brandel is trying to KISS the ball or hit it.
Geohogan
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:48 pm
The pucker is his way of saying, KISS my a…
to his haters!
rymail00
Jul 25, 2018 at 12:43 am
What do they call it, duck face or something dumb like that on Facebook (no idea I may be waaaay off on that)?
I’m happy for him for qualifying but if he plays horrible I hope they tear into to him like he does with other golfers (highly unlikely though). Kind of like if you can give the heat you better be able to accept it as well.
Just my $.02
Tom
Jul 24, 2018 at 2:29 pm
Are those bowling shoes he is wearing?
Smith
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:56 am
Would actually love to know what’s in the bag. If he hasn’t played seriously for some time, is he using his sticks that are a few years old, or is he a ho?
Ben Jones
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:52 am
Kinda reminds me of Tom Watson’s swing. Check it out on Youtube.
2putttom
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:47 am
well shoot. now he’s gotta find somebody to carry his bag. Any takers?
Commoner
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:26 am
Perhaps much of the criticism and even hate of Chamblee is based in contempt and envy of his intellect and articulateness, both of which put him in a superior grouping. He earned his way to this tournament and to the Tour (prior) while we were wishing we could!
Macualay Culkin Jr
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:39 pm
He is a self appointed intellectual. Like most academics.If he was truly as smart as he pretends to be he would not be a commentator on the Golf Channel.
P.S. I wonder how long it will be until his youthful wife dumps him for a younger man? Its bound to happen.
DB
Jul 24, 2018 at 2:14 pm
So you’re saying if he’s truly so smart he should have some skin in the game? He should do something like, I don’t know… qualifying for the Senior Open?
A wife dumps her husband for a younger man? Haha. No. Have you been around women IRL? Wives typically dump their husbands for higher-status men. Brandel is wealthy, on TV, and a professional golfer. Chances are he’ll be fine.
Commoner
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:01 pm
You are a small person.
Chuck
Jul 24, 2018 at 9:10 am
We have so many Brandel Chamblee comments all the time; I’m actually curious to see what he, as a non-regular non-tour player, is playing with this week. Brandel Chamblee WITB, please!
Tim J
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:47 am
Good for him. He is a pro golfer. Likely better than anyone reading this.
carl
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:30 am
no way he makes the cut. he does not have enough shaft lean
juststeve
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:30 am
The best you guys have is a comment about his lips at the top of his swing. Pretty weak.
DB
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:23 am
Good for him. I don’t understand the hate. To qualify for this event with limited practice time is pretty impressive.
Jamie
Jul 24, 2018 at 10:14 am
The cuck cries “hate” as he strikes you.
Briny Baird
Jul 24, 2018 at 8:02 am
Would love to see Tiger pick his swing apart.
larrybud
Jul 24, 2018 at 7:57 am
I have to give him props, to go out and fire a 69 after being away from competitive golf for so long is pretty impressive.
Square
Jul 24, 2018 at 4:21 am
Why the Tom Kite lips Brandel?
D
Jul 24, 2018 at 3:23 am
Great job Mr Chamblee!
Jamie
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:36 am
Neil Diamond, meet Brandel.
Moses
Jul 24, 2018 at 12:08 am
Great. Now we gotta hear him yammer about what a great golfer he is.
Curt
Jul 23, 2018 at 9:51 pm
Brandel – Dont do that with you lips in your transition. Please.
Matt
Jul 23, 2018 at 9:51 pm
Why is he performing the “duck face” mid backswing…? Brandel drives me nuts … ripped Tiger to shreds the last few years on how he was never going to win again… and then is on the Tiger bandwagon last weekend picking him to win. Now it is time to see how he performs!
Brian
Jul 23, 2018 at 8:41 pm
awesome. great to see him qualify