It was Jon Rahm’s jacket which appeared to give away that Rick Shiels may be joining LIV Golf in what was later announced as an influencer role.
After weeks of speculation, Rick Shiels did indeed produce an announcement worthy of the hype – though Shiels’ decision to join LIV Golf was reported the day before he confirmed the news.
Some predicted the announcement after Shiels posted a video showing him putting a jacket on. The jacket, in the eyes of a few, did bear resemblance to the one Jon Rahm famously wore when his shocking move was confirmed in December 2023.
Rahm’s move was arguably the biggest LIV Golf had done, with the Spaniard the Masters champion at the time he jumped ship from the PGA Tour. It definitely appeared to have the potential to be a needle mover in favour of LIV.
How Rick Shiels reacted to Jon Rahm joining LIV Golf in 2023
But one person who was not entirely convinced about the move was, funnily enough, Shiels himself. Speaking on The Rick Shiels Golf Show, the Englishman hit out at Rahm’s claim that he was excited to be joining a league that is ‘bringing growth to the sport‘.
“I don’t know what it is, but there’s something in me that doesn’t quite sit right. Now, oddly enough, Jon Rahm, I actually got to meet him in Augusta this year,” he said.
“There’s been a few other quotes that have come out today about him wanting to reach a new audience, I do think that’s nonsense because regardless of whether it’s a new audience, it’s not as big an audience as he was already on.
“He also talked about how he wants to grow the game, I don’t believe that. I do believe he wants to grow the game, I think most professional golfers do, but I don’t believe he’s moved to LIV to grow the game. Let’s be honest, he’s gone to LIV because they have literally said, ‘there’s a blank check, how much would you like?'”
Why many are conflicted as Rick Shiels joins LIV Golf
The first thing which is important to say is that everyone is entitled to change their mind. LIV is becoming more mainstream in the golfing world thanks to having the likes of Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.
However, you can also understand why many have lost a lot of respect for Shiels. Shiels lost around 10,000 subscribers in the days following the announcement. And one of the reasons is the amount of comments he has made where he has criticised LIV.
There are very valid reasons why some will never accept LIV – with the PGA Tour also throwing away the moral high ground following the announcement of the framework agreement in 2023.
It is also fair enough to feel conflicted about Shiels’ decision. Many are clearly happy for him and the opportunities he will now have. And of course, very few will ever find themselves facing the decision Shiels had when LIV came calling.
But given just how divisive LIV remains, it is no surprise that so many are so disappointed.
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