Small-town Chandler Phillips brings big game to big stage

There was a time when Chandler Phillips was a youngster when he would play a nine-hole course with his father and grandfather over and over again. An early morning arrival. A sunset departure. Just laughs and beers – the former for him, the latter no, he was much too young. There were days, he recalls, of playing 72 holes on that nine-hole loop.

“We’d lap around that nine-hole course all day. Those guys would drink beers. It was funny. It was a real fun time just seeing how relaxed everyone was. Just not having a care in the world,” Phillips said. “That’s probably why I am the way I am.”

The soft-spoken Phillips, who hails from Huntsville, Texas, has long let his clubs do the talking. Laid back, yes but with a big-time resume of hearty accomplishments spanning junior golf in Texas to collegiate successes.