Rick Shiels changed his mind on LIV Golf? 

20:19 - the leaders' group tees off 10-15 minutes after the shotgun start, so the final two groups start on 1 and finish on 18

Can’t take you seriously if you watched LIV this weekend and didn’t mention 19 year old Caleb Surratt on Rahm’s team. Every young college golfer in the States was watching him. Kid makes 5 birdies in a row coming down the stretch on Sunday.

I watched the last round of LIV this weekend, and after watching much of the PGA tour for a while, I was riveted with the way it ended and actually some of the best players in the world right now are in LIV I think. I like the shorter round time as a viewer and feel there is room for different leagues as needed. Golf isn’t a monopoly, it’s a sport, a game, that all can enjoy.

Rick, fun to hear your thoughts on LIV. Positives and negatives. Please do the same with a PGA Tour event. That would be interesting 🙂

I"m not sure about RU-vid, but LIV is free to watch on their app as well as the CW network and a few regional networks in the U.S.. I appreciate that it is so much easier to watch than the PGA Tour. To watch the PGA you have to constantly switch between ESPN, Golf Network, Peacock, and CBS just to watch it all which is insane whereas with LIV I just open the app. I wish the PGA would sign a single TV contract with someone so it isn't such a pain to watch.

I'm not going to lie, watching Liv this weekend, It has grown on me and I'm starting to be invested in it.

1. Stingers are a fully South African team so not only aussies have a full team 2. Dean Burmy, Louis Oost, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace all have Sunshine tour cards that allowed them to play in co-sanctioned sunshine tour and DP World tour events

I like the team concept, and I think it made a bigger impact on the tournament than Rick and Guy seem to realize. I like the Crushers (mainly because I enjoy watching Bryson play). Bryson wasn’t having a great tournament, but it made me notice Howell and Casey more since they were playing well and moved the Crushers up to second on the final day. Same thing for Legion XIII. The 19 year old, Surratt, may have just been a footnote normally, but his play was more impactful, especially when combined with Hatton’s Sunday run. With Rahm stalling on Sunday, those two propelled Legion XIII to the team win, with every shot from every team member mattering. Pick your favorite player, watch a few of their team videos on RU-vid to get to know the rest of the team, root for the team. Not that complicated really. To me, it just brings another point of interest to watch. Considering this league has only had two full years, I’ve been surprised to find the last few LIV events much more compelling to watch than those the PGA have televised. Plus, it’s hard to argue against the star power of LIV when you look at the leaderboard at any given time.

Joe Blogs is what makes the PGA tour a superior product, The desire to make a name for oneself and surprise the veterans is inherently relatable and entertaining,

Didn't eve watch the Pebble beach event, watched Liv for the first time, actually enjoyed it. Pretty interesting. I liked the team aspect of it.

The sound of the ball going into the hole is one of the most enjoyable things on LIV. And IT'S THE REAL SOUND captured from a mic.

I watched it LIV for the first time and genuinely really enjoyed it. The field is amazing and felt the production was really good. I do agree though the commentary was not great at all. I also love the fantasy game element. There is a huge market for that and made me far more interested in some players I wouldn’t otherwise care about. Hope they expand on that. The mic’d up element is great as well!

Would like an equal pros/cons list evaluating PGA event/coverage. Seems LIV is under a lot more of a microscope. BTW Rick, they do order final round by leaderboard. Crowd attendance was similar to any Hawaii PGA event. Both locations are tourist areas. Biggest negative with PGA is the commercials and media worship of certain players.

Liv was awesome and Guy should really be watching it since he hosts a golf podcast, poor on his behalf

Theres aspects of liv that i like and dont like. But ive always liked shot gun starts as every player plays in the same conditions with wind etc

Hating on liv for having commercials while the pga tour is on regular TV with commercials is crazy

You've not been to many junior golf events if you think Juniors don't swear on the golf course during competitions... 😂😂😂

Myself and friends were the very first members of the public in at the very first event at bedminster, even managed to speak to the LIV marketing team. From a fans perspective it was great, especially PGA tour itself split off from the European tour to set itself up and basically entice all the best European players to it. PS I quite like that the good and the bad shots are captured unlike the other tours which are heavily edited.

Also, we gonna talk about the fact that the PGA tour played a 54 hole no cut tournament that their players got world rankings points from 🤷🏽‍♂️😂

Liv is a far superior product. Viewing experience is far better! Better players, each event you know who's playing! Pga tour have 3 top guys and that's it!

I agree with you about the commentating…I wish David could just be himself and not so bridled. Thanks for honest reviews of LIV instead of just bashing it. I’ve been a fan from the beginning and have watched very little PGA Tour. I would much rather watch the DOD king working on his Soft Mitts with Martin B. LIV is like RU-vid golf. It’s meant to reach a different audience, and that’s what it’s doing. Now I’m almost 60, but I’m all in. Honestly, I am annoyed by the same things you’re annoyed by, they have some work to do, but you can’t see so many of the best players in the world taking shots anywhere else. Caleb was the blight of the week! Just turned Pro, 4 putted, recovered, and helped his team win. That’s a huge story. I’m still struggling to see why you’re having such a hard time with the team aspect. Pick one already and get on board. Pick a team Rick! It will change your experience.

Rick, you mention about the fields for LIV and Waste Management this weekend. Can you get excited about the WM event when the top players are Scheffler, JT, Homa, Burns, Spieth, MWL, Young, Fitz and Clark. Do you honestly think that list competes favourably against the LIV field? I just can't get excited about that, regardless of the Par 3 which is actually a crap hole with pissed people shouting.

I agree with Guy, if LIV players get world ranking points and are allowed to play in majors, it would create an almost champions league like majors where the best players from different leagues(tours) come together to compete and create a bit of rivalry

Honestly I loved watching LIV on RU-vid, I got to watch on my iPad in the office then switched to the the cell phone when I was out and about. I thought it was awesome on RU-vid! And I liked the team aspect of it also.

Rick, Guy - we’ve watched LIV from the outset,and obviously we’re at Centurion last year. There’s no doubt the addition of Rahm, Hatton, and Meronk has added some more familiarity to the line up - especially for the European viewers. I’ll admit I was struggling to get the concept of the teams in the early days, but stick with it, the more you watch it, the more you’ll start to see the sub plots that the team element brings, it does add a lot to the event,m. You won’t have a team that you are fully supportive of like you have in football, but you’ll find you get an affinity with a number of teams for differing reasons. For me and Jamie it’s Crushers - Cos of Bryson, Rangegoats - great marketing concept and Bubba, and Fireballs - we lived in Spain and Sergio chucked Jamie a signed ball at Centurion. For me, it’s hands down better viewing than the PGAT, irrespective of players, but LIV have got such a strong line up now it just adds to that. The series isn’t without its flaws but LIV have shown they’ll adapt and modify - they’ll always look to improve. We’ll look out for you at JCB in July, 😉👍

I love the team part. it reminds me of my college golf days!

All excellent suggestions Rick regarding LIV

Stinger GC also makes sense. All South Africans. 💪🏻 🇿🇦

Forvthe first time I find myself agreeing with almost everything RS said (about Liv).

Rick - “my positives….. tuned in for Rahm’s tee shot… turned it off” good start on the positive list 😂

Been away from golf for two years now because of spinal surgery man I miss it so much I got down to a 5/6 handicap I’m still going through recovery in my 2 years on I’m sorry I don’t watch the pod like I used to when I played 3/4 times a week but Ive watched todays pod and I’ve missed it you guys are just pure gold content looking forward to the next one lads

I've found myself watching more LIV golf than PGA Tour recently, but mostly just tune in for the Majors and a few other big tournies (Kapalua, Players, Arnie, Jack, etc). I agree with almost everything you've said. My thoughts, in addition to what you have said. 1. Rather than changing the Shotgun start, have 2 or 4 more groups than there are holes for them to play. During the shotgun start, 2 groups wait at 1 and 2 groups wait at 10. This gives players 1 or 2 mid-round breaks. Then on the final day, run 3 waiting off 1 so all of the leaders (4 groups) can finish on 18. 2. Have some sort of a Team playoff for the top 3 teams from the Tournament. It doesn't even have to be regular stroke play. Could be points for long drive, closest to the pin, and fewest putts in a putting contest. Or something like that. I could be a different challenge for every tournament. Knockout or Skins or anything could be cool.

"Tor-kayyy"... 🤦‍♂ I agree about the commentary, it was woeful 🤨

I compress my clubs quite a bit, so I couldn't really get on with a 3 wood, but my 7 wood is my 200 yard club and I love it! Off the tee, I can get it to around 220. I love that damn club!

For me, the field is good enough for me to show interest. As as a South African, having an SA team is pretty cool

Rick...long time subscriber, love the content! When I watch you play, your *short game* looks a lot like mine. On the chipping green/range, my short game is solid. I rarely have a yep, thin or fat. When I get on the course, it all changes. My short game challenge is totally mental...looks the same for you. You obviously have the skill for a great short game. Hi Guy!

What a weekend for Liv!!

I think the whole shotgun start is everyone playing to win that tournament that day is going to play in the exact same conditions unlike at Pebble Beach the morning crew had a slight wind a little bit of drizzle and the afternoon tea times had 40 mph winds and sideways rain

Got to Watch LIV in Las Vegas today, round 3 with decampbeau, DJ and Rahm in front 😅🎉

Worst shot in LIV golf history..🤣😂 Love the podcast!!!

the team aspect is great once you watch it for a year or so and "get it" = First time watchers will be lost to it though! I love it!

Rick, it would be interesting for you to sit down and watch a PGA event and analyse it from a viewers standpoint the way you have LIV if you haven't already. Be good to then compare your points.

I like the Team element and idea, but not necessarily in its current form. My favorite thing about the Ryder and President cups is the teams with varying formats. Really brings team selection for each format into play. Would love to see more of this. Still have 10 or so normal tournaments but add 2-4 team tournaments mixed in each year

As an australian fan the team aspect is huge for me as it is easy to car about our 4 players working together in the teams standings. I think the stingers would have the same thing with SA fans.

Great content as always, I'll not comment on Liv as I've still not watched it at all but I'll say I've been using the Cobra Darkspeed LS since it's day release and it's phenomenal!

Took Rick two years to understand the leaderboard graphics, something my 10 years old figured out in about 2 rounds of LIV.

Hi Rick and Guy, so over here in 🇨🇦 I downloaded the Liv + app and watched free golf all weekend which I really enjoyed got used to the scoreboard and the switching back and forth, quite impressed my only negative the commentators. Thanks for the great content as ever Pikles

Watching pebble beach was great! There’s so many story lines between Aberg, Pavon (first French golfer to win), Dunlap turning pro, Rory building toward the masters, Clark going low after emerging last year etc etc

PGA tour is like watching the Nationwide tour in the aughts

The thing is, notice what was said. There was bickering between Liv lovers and live haters. Why are the haters even there?!?!

I've previously been positive about LIV but wasn't bothered last year. However, Tyrrell is someone I'd follow. I watched nearly all of Sat and Sunday. Got heavily invested in the singles and team events. Also found myself rooting for Legion XIII. All the team had really interesting back stories and when the young lad had a 4 Put hole and then came back to birdie the next 5, it was really interesting. The on course coms is a little weak. I feel there should be more interviews with the players whilst playing. Didn't watch a single hole at Pebble Beach. No interest whatsoever.

Excellent episode this! Great debate! Possibly the best ever excluding those with guests! Would it be possible to have an episode with two guests debating this and the future of Golf? The subject divides fans, but it has got the sports world talking more Golf.

Rick’s spot on, simple negatives to fix I like LiV but these are simple things to fix. That hole sound effect is ridiculous.

I do think that embedding a youtuber/influencer in each team could greatly help reaching a younger and bigger audience. Imagine that you could root also for a Rick, Peter, Grant or Garret in a team. A pro-Am vibe in the team element could be a lot of fun!

PGA has some awesome young players that could play and win at LIV. These no name talents are amazing. I would love to see more DP world tour players, I’m sure they have some fantastic talents.

Question - when are you coming back to Australia? I remember your videos at Brookwater when I first got into golf! Maybe Liv golf Adelaide?

The coverage has improved and the team aspect felt exciting especially when Rahms team started chasing. Can't see how the World rankings are relevant when so much talent is showing at LIV

On the team element of LIV. I have an idea to spice it up. Crazy and out there I know but if they want to be different then why not? Each team is given a "Home" Course On that course that team get bonus points for a win or a couple shots lead or even the chance to hinder their opponents someway. Then each team has a location/course linked to them and people can get behind them.

If LIV were to be able to add some iconic courses to their calendar I think that could be game changing

I love LIV golf! I think the teams are fun and different! It doesn't need to be the same old names or ideas. And the Merch in the store is really nice quality. We need to just give them time. They are not going to be household names overnight.

I have got more into LIV and even more since I've been watching the Majesticks team videos on RU-vid, poulter has always been my no1 , but watching how the team gel together I really hope they have a better year.

I agree with you about the commentary.

Something you are missing. Pga played 54 holes, are they getting points??.

Like test cricket that has lost an audience over the years, which led to 50 over cricket and now 20 over cricket…. to keep people interested, golf needs to do the same. LIV is 3 rounds and shotgun start meaning as a spectator it’s at a suitable time. Nothing wrong with that at all. End of the day it’s about the game of golf, PGA / America doesn’t own the game. PGA poached the best European players years back when it setup in direct competition with Europe. I don’t understand any negativity for LIV. Just like RU-vid golf helping attract new people to golf so is LIV.

LIV players can play in DP WorldTour it: - They where not membre of the Tour before - They are a former champion of the event - Sponsor invite/invitation from the national golf federation

What is LIV broadcasting on for the uk??

I'd love a squad view option for LIV where I can choose a team and watch all 4 players of that team in a multiview.

to me, it now makes the Majors like an All-Star type event. i think there needs to stay a way to qualify or get points, but the best players NEED to be there. And yes it definitely elevates them and makes me that much more excited for them.

From national club golfer - apparently those liv guys were not members so they don’t have outstanding sanctions. Or can be exempt under different categories such as past champion etc

Never listened to Rick shields before and you can hear the animosity they both have towards LIV. They hate the team format but that in my opinion is a great element and makes LIV more interesting due to guys not giving up because they may not win the individual event but have a chance at helping their team standings.

Liv tournament in Mexico had more spectators than when the PGA tour was there , it’s a fantastic product and golf definitely needs this , Liv is for all ages and sponsors are guaranteed 54 players each week , really don’t think you understand the concept and understand how golf was going stale , Liv golfers don’t want the PGA tour and very soon you will see the majors get Liv golfers on board, speak to people who know golf and know these tours

I think an actual Team day would be really cool, like having a team vs a team on a hole, Shamble format or something?

I'm glad Rick finally got a new driver. My son just got fitted for a Dark speed LS and he loves it! I got my first brand new driver ever, in a Ping G430 max. I don't know how Rick played with the 425 for so long. The sound, oof 😣

Is that more material been recorded ever, ever, ever, ever in the history of Rick Shiels Golf History 😂😂

Not in the states. Unfortunately "CW" network is not available on RU-vidTV subscription where I live so I wasn't able to watch it. LOL. Populating LIV ad spots with their own content. Probably unsold ad units.

I watched Wyndham Clark shoot a 60 last weekend and was glued to it seeing if he’d shoot 59. I think that’s tour agnostic. Idc where they’re playing, show me good golf.

I have so many thoughts about LIV… The tournament still feels like a bunch of guys playing a round of golf at someone’s stag party. The music, the shotgun start and the casual nature of things just takes away all the gravitas for me. I was reminded of John Rahm’s thoughts on LIV from a couple of years ago this weekend and seeing him completely about face for the money causes me to lose a huge amount of respect for him. And that’s really how I feel about all of them. They allowed themselves to be bought. I think the team thing could work but I would rather see an entire event dedicated to only team competition sort of like a Ryder Cup situation. I would watch that. Overall the whole thing just feels like a gimmick to me.

personally I don't have any issues with the whole team aspect. But I also come from and individual sport background (track and field) where our individual performances in our events gained points towards a team score. Its really not that hard to grasp but I think that a lot of people get caught up on the team names that were chosen, because most of them are really goofy. Its the same concept that our high schools and college teams use in their tournaments, so I have always been a bit confused as to why people had such a huge problem with it.

In the US LIV was on RU-vid on Friday only. Then Saturday and Sunday it was on the CW. I will probably always prefer the PGA Tour, but sometimes enjoy watching LIV.

They do have an app also where you can watch it live and cast to your tv.

I would love to see a Ryder Cup style event LIV vs PGA

I only got into golf 2 years ago - much prefer to watch LIV

So Rick, it seems to me that your RU-vid theatrics with Bryson definitely had an impact on your LIV POV! The number of times you mentioned Bryson in this episode! Don’t get me wrong, i tuned into it all, and it was great.

I watched almost every shot of the LIV tournament this weekend and I’ve got to be honest, it was pretty exciting. If they are all like this I’m a big fan.

My sons and their friends almost exclusively follow LIV and the Majors. They are all in the LIV fantasy league, and I've never seen them so enthusiastic about LIV. They want to go to Adelaide in April, but it is SOLD OUT. LIV breaks the US monopoly on pro golf.

Completely agree with all of those points. I feel as though they are "Americanising" the sport. A little like what they did with cricket, ie: 20/20. Trying to make something "exciting" that shouldn't be taking that particular angle. I am a fan of LIV golf, and will keep watching... but I'll turn the volume down whenever a ball is going in the hole.

I agree LIV could really make themselves a different product to make it appealing. A few idea could be: A team shot clock and lowest team time wins bonus points. A knockout team based match play event that is like a cup competition outside of the league. This gives a team that way off the lead can win something. Have a nominated player that gets double points. See how a player responds to the pressure of the team aspect. But as you say it is the same game just a little louder it could really shake up the game until it does,. I will still consider it a sideshow.

I mean, I watch a lot of times for the same reasons on the PGA. Watching certain golfers rounds or watching a huge moment. I wouldn't have turned on a couple weeks back, but I saw that Nick Dunlap was still leading or in second and wanted to see if he could win. I think now, especially with how many other things there are to do and see at any given moment, Golf is going to have a harder time keeping people watching for 3-4 hours daily for 3-4 days especially with a younger crowd.

14:50 That is a real microphone in the cup.

Spot on about the Majors being the perfect amount of times for the best to get together - the OWGR is the big problem in all this.

Rick, Sergio was waiting on the 18th because LIV changed their setup a little this year. For the final round, both the penultimate group and the final group tee off from hole 1. The Rahm, Bermester, Niemann group played slow and fell 2 holes off pace. They almost got penalized for being too slow.

To emphasise the team aspect a bit more I think the first round should be each team teeing off together. That way, you get to see the team interact, encourage each other up, give advice for shots and puts. Teamwork. Then round 2 and 3 is split up based on leader board position, like they already do, with the top 6 players starting on hole 1 and finishing on 18. I just want to see the teams interact a bit more. Just my thoughts. Go the Rippers.

LIV golf is turning out to be super. I actually have watched since it's beginning. Getting better....wishing them the best as they get bigger.

I think people will get behind the teams once recognised companies buy them, a bit like F1. mclaren, redbull etc. I think the final day should lose the shotgun start or lose it altogether. I agree with the comment about the broadcast team also.

Couple of things I’d do to make LIV better: 1. For first 2 rounds, all teams play four balls, but every player finishes each hole so individual and team scores are counted. Final day singles with leaderboard based pairings. 2. Live broadcast each team’s rounds on RU-vid. For the team element to pick up there has to be a way to watch your favourite team

Agree with commentary. Its nog great. But I think it has more to do with the fact that we are used to the regular voices of the PGAT and DPWT that almost ligitimises whatever they say. I think a good add would be to add a well known ex golfer to the panel. Shotgun starts - I think this is great. The leader at any moment is the real leader. No "he is running out of holes" with a guy a few shots back playing a blinder final round only to have to keep watching another two hours to see the overnight winner to win the thing by playing par golf. With the team element this is crucial, you can have a team all four players birdieing their last hole while the leading team has a bogey or two. Potential 4 to 6 shot swing. You see this is the thing, its a different product....no point and trying to make it like the PGA Tour. The only thing I would bring in is a form of cut. Even if just cutting the bottom 12. Make the final round be best 3 rounds if one of your players got cut bad luck every score counts then.

I think some LIV players can play in DP events due to either past winner or tournament sponsor invites. SA players were invited to all the SA events

I think if there were more teams and it required them to send one player from the team per event and who they selected made or broke them. Maybe 2 players from each team? And no repeat selections.

Rick, I'm happy to see the real language after shots. Yes it would be great if not super clear/bleeped when they drop an F-bomb (or worse as it can be at my club), but you can't say that you want to see player reactions and then say that you only want to see the positive/sterile. Golf has an elitist label in most countries, whereas its for every background and has very down to earth/normal people playing. Rightly or wrongly, kids are routinely exposed to much worse with the internet now. But love to see the same frustration I feel when things go wrong for pro's.

Should be a great comparison between Phoenix and Las Vegas this weekend!😅