LIV Golf continues to be the great disruptor in the world of golf and very recently, partnered up with YouTube sensation Rick Shiels to produce content.
Shiels’ move to LIV caused plenty of shock in the online golf community.
The Englishman had been critical of elements of LIV in the past but has now partnered up with them in what is probably a more than worthwhile financial decision for himself and his team.
However, looking back to some previous comments from Shiels on LIV, it seems he very much had a number of questions which in 2025, still haven’t been fully answered.
What PGA Tour players told Rick Shiels about LIV Golf back in 2022
Last year, Shiels was speaking to Sir Nick Faldo on his podcast and got onto the subject of LIV and what it had brought to the table.
And at the time, Shiels claimed that some players, even on the PGA side, were happy it had come along.
“Very much keep an eye on it. I think right now, and I’m going to look at it from a viewer’s standpoint first off. From a viewer’s standpoint it’s giving a different option. They can watch it in four hours and the shotgun start and everything else,” Shiels said.
“However, I actually genuinely right now believe there is too much golf to be consumed. From a viewer I don’t understand how they can follow everything. If you are a fan of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, even if you are a fan of LIV, LPGA, LET. How do you consume it all? I could never watch it [all], I would need six screens on 24 hours to be able to consume it all.
“So for the moment as a viewer I don’t know if it’s that beneficial just yet.
“From a disruption standpoint. From when I have spoken to players they seem to think it has come at the right time and a good time, even players who want to stay on the PGA Tour. Because the PGA Tour is suddenly investing more and giving more opportunities. The guys who have moved over to LIV, it’s a big gamble, financial gains, I completely get that. Less events. More of an off season.
“It’s very interesting from a load of different takes. I try and put myself in a position if I was a top 20 player in the world what would be my thoughts and opinions, and it’s hard. It depends if money drives you so much or having that legacy”
What Rick Shiels said about the money LIV Golf players were earning
Given Shiels has now taken up an offer to work with LIV and that, without knowing too much, the financials will benefit him, he did have a big say on those taking big money previously.
With the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and then further down the line, Jon Rahm, all taking big money deals, Shiels questioned whether it is legacy over money anymore.
“It is fascinating when you have got some of these really huge names already who are multi, multi, multi millionaires. Huge amounts of money. They can’t spend that much money,” Shiels added.
“It surprises me sometimes when they want a bit tagging on to it, because what else can you really buy? Do you buy another yacht, or a £50 million house? I think different life, I think it would be very interesting.
“I would love to know as well, and you would never really get the answer to this, let’s say the top 100 in the world. If you took out the backlash or the moral backgrounds, I wonder how people would then decide. Whether people would be more willing to play three rounds of tournament golf and have a bit more of an off season.”
With the likes of Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler holding firm as PGA Tour stalwarts, Shiels likely has an answer to his question.
Still, things can change and in golf, as we’ve seen in the last 12 months, anything can change.
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