Renowned golf agent Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler, formerly associated with Rory McIlroy, has recently raised questions regarding the level of talent in the PGA Tour. Despite his parting with McIlroy in 2011, Chandler continues to serve as the managing director of ISM, a company representing esteemed players such as Darren Clarke and Matt Wallace.
Chandler’s recent statement showcased unreserved criticism towards the PGA Tour, casting doubt on the star quality of certain top players. His critique extended beyond his former client, taking aim at prominent figures such as Scottie Scheffler, Rickie Fowler, and Jordan Spieth.
In addition to his concerns about the PGA Tour, Chandler also expressed reservations regarding the lineup of players associated with LIV. He remarked, “The PGA is devoid of superstars and it’s a huge problem and to a certain degree so is LIV. When they make such a big deal about Anthony Kim, that’s searching for people to hang the hat on.”
Nevertheless, amidst his critique, Chandler conceded to the talent of Jon Rahm and even commended Rahm’s unfiltered expression on the field. He observed, “Rahm was great, and I love the way he can now stand in the middle of the green and say ‘F—‘, and nobody even mentions it. [Tyrrell] Hatton putted out with his sand iron, so he obviously twanged his putter somewhere. At the end of the day the PGA Tour, the European Tour, everybody tries to stop that, but in actual fact men behaving badly is actually quite watchable.”
Furthermore, Chandler cast aspersions on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) system, insinuating a bias towards American players at the expense of non-American talents. He voiced his frustration with the rankings, stating, “All those LIV players have been replaced by people, Jimmy no-names. The PGA Tour has still got all these guys in the world rankings, but they’ve got rid of Cam Smith, Louis Oosthuizen and the non-Americans so for them it has been stronger. How can you have that? You can’t have world rankings that favour the Americans, which is what it has done the last few years.”
Chandler’s comments were made in partnership with BetIdeas, underscoring his apprehensions regarding the future and trajectory of professional golf. The substance of his critique bears significance in its potential impact on the perception and structure of the sport at its highest echelons.