There was never going to be a low-key reaction to Tuesday’s volcanic news of the the PGA Tour-PIF merger deal.

In the midst of the Canadian Open and Scandinavian Mixed, it seems every player has been asked their reaction to the stunning news. It has amazed many that Rory McIlroy – champion spokesman for the PGA Tour over the past few years – has even managed to swing the club this week, especially after receiving some abuse from those that clearly feel the system needs the chance to open up.

Away from the players, reporters have understandably hung on every word said by current PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan as well as McIlory, ultra pro-LIV Phil Mickelson and Brandel Chamblee, golf broadcaster and involved in some of the strongest public rows with Lefty and recent PGA Championship victor, Brooks Koepka.

Yesterday, Chamblee, analyst for Golf Channel, tweeted his thoughts on the potential linking up of the various organizations, boldly stating that he felt at some point, the merger would be blocked.

If it’s not blocked by the player board, it will likely be blocked by the DOJ, and if not that regulatory committee, the senate … and then the regulatory review of the EU and equivalent bodies in Asia. This is a long way from being a done deal. https://t.co/XajJYQh3yC

— Brandel Chamblee (@chambleebrandel) June 8, 2023

Responses were very much on the line that if stopped, players would go directly to LIV or a similar organization. Either way, that this would be a major problem for the PGA Tour (and associated companies).

The 60-year-old then appeared on the Rich Eisen Show to put across his position in person rather than via social media.

Host Eisen initially asked Chamblee how he was – referring to Koepka’s brutal tweet once Monday’s news had hit the media.

“I’m doing a welfare check on you – how are you?” asked the host.

His guest confirmed he was “very well,” while laughing as he spoke.

“How do you take that tweet from Brooks?” asked Eisen before being told, “I laughed at it.”

Chamblee then went to town, starting with a retort to Monday’s insult.

“If you can find any laughter in that day, the fact that they thought it as a cause of celebration was quite humorous on the LIV side. I don’t think they’re that bright,”

“Because if the deal goes through” Chamblee continued. “it will lead to the destruction of LIV, which means their boss – their route back to the PGA Tour – is Jay Monahan, and I believe, and their fine gets doubled, based on their gloating that day.”

Chamblee then went on to say how he felt things might progress for the most vocal of LIV players should they be involved in the association.

“So, Phil, Brooks, Bryson, I don’t think they fully understand the ramifications if the deal goes through. They are all out of a job.”

Explaining his thoughts, Chamblee continued.

“They’ll have no place to play golf other than major championships, who haven’t really made any movement to talk to LIV players, cos they have different parameters to the PGA Tour.”

“But I tell you,” he advised them, “their avenue back through golf is going to be a highly penalized one to play the PGA Tour.”

Now getting into the swing of it, Chamblee gives his damning verdict on the player’s behaviour over the past few months.

“They [Mickelson and Kopeka amongst others] wouldn’t have done their case any favors with their quoting on social media.”

🗣️ @chambleebrandel

Did a welfare check on the @GolfChannel analyst after what’s been the craziest week in the golf world — we talked everything about the #PGATour and PIF deal and what it all means:#DPWorldTour #LIVgolf @philmickelson @bkoepka @b_dechambeau pic.twitter.com/aKMQBKbgYy

— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) June 8, 2023

Article originally appeared on: Golfwrx.com