Rick Shiels, one of the most recognizable faces in golf on YouTube, has officially joined LIV Golf. The 38-year-old YouTuber, who boasts nearly 3 million subscribers, has signed on with the controversial Saudi-backed Tour to help boost its visibility and engagement through digital content. Known for his charismatic style and ability to connect with fans, Shiels is set to play a pivotal role in LIV Golf’s strategy to capture younger, tech-savvy audiences.
A bold move into the world of LIV Golf
With LIV Golf’s reputation as a disruptor in the sport, Shiels’ partnership is a calculated step to bridge the gap between traditional golf fans and the new generation. The deal is expected to focus on creating dynamic, behind-the-scenes content that will highlight LIV’s unique appeal and showcase its top players.
If media reports are accurate, one of Shiels’ first projects includes a video featuring himself alongside LIV stars Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka—a pairing sure to draw massive attention, especially given Shiels’ history with Koepka.
The Brooks Koepka incident: A VIP fallout
Golf fans may recall the infamous incident between Shiels and Koepka at the 2022 Open Championship. Shiels, attending as a VIP guest, decided to introduce himself to Koepka, only to be met with an unexpectedly cold reception.
“I thought, ‘This is my chance,’” Shiels recounted on The Rick Shiels Golf Show podcast. “Dream scenario… he’d come up to me, give me a big hug, say, ‘Rick, love your videos, pal.’ That was the dream.”
The reality was far less pleasant. Koepka, fresh off a missed cut, signaled security to remove Shiels from the VIP section, leaving the YouTuber humiliated. “I walked in there like the cock of the land and walked out with my tail between my legs,” Shiels said, reflecting on the awkward encounter.
Turning tension into opportunity
Despite the incident, Shiels is now positioned to work closely with Koepka and other LIV stars. His involvement is expected to focus on producing engaging content that brings fans closer to the players, potentially addressing the human side of golf that has often been overshadowed by LIV’s controversies.
LIV Golf’s decision to partner with a social media powerhouse like Shiels reflects its commitment to broadening its appeal. By leveraging Shiels’ influence, the Tour aims to generate buzz and reach audiences who may not traditionally follow golf.
A new chapter for Shiels and LIV
For Shiels, the partnership represents a significant step in his career. With his content now centered on LIV Golf, his ambition is clear: to continue growing his brand while introducing golf to a wider audience. Whether through collaborations with star players or exploring LIV’s innovative approach to the sport, Shiels is set to make an impact.
As LIV Golf continues its mission to redefine the game, Rick Shiels’ role could be a game-changer in how fans connect with the Tour. And with his unique blend of humor, insight, and relatability, he may be just the person LIV needs to win over skeptics and solidify its place in golf’s evolving landscape.
