Rick Shiels’ subscriber count has taken a hit after the YouTube star confirmed he has signed a multi-year deal with LIV Golf.
Shiels’ LIV move was sealed on Friday evening, and the 38-year-old will now work at every single breakaway league event over the next eight months.
His popular Break 50 and ten-shot challenge will remain. During tournament week, Shiels will play each LIV course, giving fans first-hand insight into what the professionals will face.
Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm will feature in Shiels’ first video, and more content will emerge in the coming weeks when the LIV season starts in Riyadh.
Rick Shiels’ YouTube subscriber count takes a hit
Shiels’ LIV move will divide opinion. Some will highlight Shiels’ past comments on LIV, whilst others will say his decision is purely financially motivated.
However, there’s also the argument that this is a life-changing move for Shiels – and that he could transform his family’s wealth as a result. For someone who used to make coaching content for the hundreds, it’s hard to begrudge Shiels’ decision.
Unfortunately, the Englishman’s decision has already deterred some of his subscribers. According to Social Blade, in the 24 hours since his announcement video, Shiels’ subscriber count has decreased from 2.93 million to 2.92 million, which means 10,000 have unsubscribed.
Rick Shiels’ announcement video rakes in the views
Despite his subscriber count taking a hit, Shiels’ announcement video already has nearly 300,000 views and is currently fourth on YouTube’s trending.
Given who Shiels will be working with at LIV, his subscriber count will likely recover back to its previous level in no time.
For LIV, getting the YouTube stalwart on board is arguably their most significant piece of off-season work. With the breakaway league failing to land a PGA Tour star this year, someone of Shiels’ calibre was required to ensure interest in the league remains high.
LIV Golf chief reacts to Rick Shiels news
YouTube golf personality Peter Finch has reacted to the Shiels news, as has six-time major winner Phil Mickelson.
Another who has offered his view is LIV Golf Chief Marketing Officer Adam Harter.
“Rick’s creativity and passion for the game align perfectly with our mission to grow the sport and connect with a broader audience,” Harter said in a press release.
“Through this collaboration, Rick will give fans an inside look at the incredible courses we play around the globe, bring them closer to our players, and offer a unique perspective on what makes team golf so fun and compelling. Together, we’re opening new doors for fans and bringing them closer to the sport than ever before.”
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