Brandel Chamblee CLAPS BACK at Collin Morikawa after 2x major champion defends his post-round media snub at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Two-time major champion Collin Morikawa became the center of attention last Sunday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. After blowing a 3-shot lead and finishing as the runner-up, he refused to address the media. Analyst Brandel Chamblee clapped back at him for this after Morikawa defended his actions this week.

Morikawa sat at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday when he headed to the 14th hole. A bogey on this hole proved costly as Russell Henley then made an eagle at the 16th hole and overtook him for the 1st spot. Henley then made even pars on the 17th and 18th holes and snatched the title out of Morikawa’s hands.

During the press conference ahead of The Players Championship, Morikawa claimed that he was “pissed” after the loss and thus decided not to show up for the post-round interview. He also added that he did not owe them anything.

This action from Morikawa ignited strong reactions from the media. 6-time PGA Tour champion Rocco Mediate slammed him for this and called it the “Biggest bunch of horses****“.

Morikawa then defended his actions once again on Friday. After Chamblee and Paul McGinley discussed his take on Tuesday night, the 28-year-old golfer took a direct swipe at them on Friday and stated that he did not “regret” saying any of that.

"To the Brandel Chamblees, to the Paul McGinleys, to the Rocco Mediates of the world. I don't regret anything I said."

Collin Morikawa responds to the criticism he has received after his comments about skipping media interviews Sunday at the API. pic.twitter.com/XSXGzXuGe1

— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) March 14, 2025

Chamblee clapped back at Morikawa for his comments later on. While addressing this on Golf Channel, the analyst expressed that he said “no” to the fans and the PGA Tour.

He said no to the fans. He said no to the sponsors. Saying no to the PGA Tour. He’s saying no to his fellow players who do these interviews?… It sets a dangerous precedent. And if he really does feel that way, that’s fine, it’s his opinion. I have mine. He has his. But I think he’ll regret it if he carries on turning down the media after he loses.

Brandel Chamblee said on Golf Channel

These comments of Chamblee have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some took his side, some bashed him again.

Paul McGinley labels Collin Morikawa’s comments as ‘wrong choice’ of words

Paul McGinley was one of those who criticized Collin Morikawa‘s remark regarding him skipping the post-round press conference at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. While addressing the direct shot of Morikawa on the media, McGinley labeled his comments as “wrong choice” of words.

The golf analyst was among the three people whom Morikawa had called out. After Chamblee made his feelings known regarding this, McGinley said that players should be more cautious of what they say as this words from the 6-time PGA Tour winner did not sound “right“.

It’s a word of caution to the players more than anything else that, you know, don’t come out and say something like, I don’t owe anybody anything because that does not sound good. Maybe it was a wrong choice of words, but don’t say anything like that. It doesn’t sound right and it’s not what the public want to hear.

Paul McGinley said on Golf Channel

McGinley then went on to name-drop Rory McIlroy and recounted an interview with him. The 2014 European Ryder Cup-winning captain claimed that the “most memorable interview” of him was with McIlroy after Europe suffered a massive loss at Whistling Straits in 2021. A tearful McIlroy was proud of his teammates and the captains.

Surprisingly, McIlroy skipped the press conference after the final round at the U.S. Open after blowing away another lead. So it is not the first time when a golfer has collapsed in the final round and refused to speak to the media.

Collin Morikawa had a tough outing in Round 3 of The Players Championship

Following the dramatic collapse of Collin Morikawa in the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, many fans were eager to see how the golfer performs in The Players Championship. After shooting scores of 70 and 65 in the first two rounds, he had a tough day in Round 3.

With strong winds, the playing conditions at TPC Sawgrass become more difficult. Several top stars had a tough time on Saturday.

Morikawa made 8 bogeys in the third round. 5 of them came at the back nine. With his 3 birdies, he posted a score of 5-over 77 and took a hard hit regarding the standings. He fell out of the top 5 and finished the day T22, 8 shots behind leader J.J. Spaun.

In the final round, he will tee up with Tommy Fleetwood and Mac Meissner. An under-par score could see him finish in the top 20.