'A Highly Paid Ventriloquist Puppet' - Brandel Chamblee Slams Phil Mickelson

Brandel Chamblee didn't hold back when commenting on Phil Mickelson, accusing him of being 'a highly paid ventriloquist puppet'

Chamblee and Mickelson
(Image credit: Getty Images)

At this week's Saudi International, the threat of the breakaway Saudi Golf League is at the highest it's ever been, with multiple players stating that they have signed non-disclosure agreements.

Arguably, the player most closely associated - publicly at least - with the aforementioned SGL is Phil Mickelson, who not only said that “Pretty much every player in the top 100 has been contacted at some point,” but also launched a scathing attack on the PGA Tour over their media rights, stating that: "Their type of greed is beyond obnoxious," and that "the Tour forced him to pay $1million to access his shots." The PGA Tour have, so far, declined to comment.

Mickelson gets his driver out of the bag

Mickelson looks down the 17th hole during day two of the 2022 Saudi International.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One player who took a dig at Mickelson's comments was Brooks Koepkawho commented on Instagram: "Dk (Don't Know) if I’d be using the word greedy if I’m Phil….."

But it seems Koepka isn't the only one who has taken a shot at the six-time Major champion, with Golf Channel Analyst, Brandel Chamblee, producing a highly charged piece for the Golf Channel accusing Mickelson of being "a highly paid ventriloquist puppet involved in a sports-washing operation."

This wasn't the only shot that Chamblee fired, with the American claiming he: "Cares a lot about his media rights, but apparently not so much about human rights," and that: "If it fell to me to control the PIP fund, I’d rename it the Player Irony Program and give the whole 40 million to Phil for this unctuous utterance."

Koepka and Mickelson at the PGA Championship

Koepka and Mickelson at the 2021 PGA Championship.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Chamblee isn't the only one to comment, with Golfweek's Eamon Lynch claiming that: "At best, his (Mickelson's) words suggest that what he possesses in self-regard, he lacks in self-awareness."

Mickelson is yet to respond to Chamblee or Lynch's comments.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x