Not for a first time in his TV career, Brandel Chamblee has been left choking on his words after England’s Lee Slattery shared eighth place in the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.
Slattery, competing in the $US 8.5m for a first time, birdied three of his opening four holes, on route to a final round 68 for a four under par tally.
Chamblee had singled out Slattery for criticism following his opening round 65 suggesting at 230th in the world, Slattery did not deserve a place in the Firestone field.
Each day since, Slattery has quitely gone about his business in one of the most presitigous fields on the PGA Tour, and on the Tour’s longest par 70 layout, seeking to prove Chamblee once again wrong.
Lee Slattery leaves Brandel Chamblee choking on his words after sharing eighth place in the Bridgestone Invitational. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Chamblee could manage just one lone PGA Tour victory in a near 400-event PGA career, and he’s the same learned Golf Channel pundit who last year suggested Woods will never win again.
“Well, this result should make that Golf Channel fellow eat his words,” said Slattery.
“It’s been a great four days and I needed that final round 68 as that’s got me a share of eighth, and a top-10 that was my goal setting out today.
“This result is a big lift for me heading into the remainder of the year and also into next season.
“I am so delighted to finish where I have in a world-class field, and on a very challenging golf course for these four days.
“The game has held up very well and even today when I did feel I struggled somewhat, to get it round in two under with five birdies on the card is very rewarding.
“This result also has been coming for a while and to put four decent rounds together and finish tied with fellows like Tiger Woods, Luke Donald and Matt Kuchar is just incredible.
“Everyone time you play a big event like this Bridgestone you get more used to the environment at this level and you want more.
“My only wish now is that I was playing next week in the PGA Championship but then maybe next year.”
Slattery’s biggest concern now was his younger sister, Joanna’s wedding on the River Thames and on the Saturday of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.
“I was thinking that if I didn’t play well this week I would have to tee-up at Gleneagles,” he said.
“But now after this result, and the assurance my card is rigth for 2013, I can go to my sister’s wedding. It’s going to be a great celebration on the River Thames and I can go there without that added pressure of thinking I should be competing in Scotland.”
