Rick Shiels Joins LIV Golf

Author

Johnny V
January 27, 2025

Golfers,

With January coming to a close, there is a lot of news to watch for in the golf world: controversies, leaks, new tech, and much more. As the PGA Tour anticipates some big tournaments in the upcoming weeks—like The AT&T at Pebble Beach and The Genesis at Torrey Pines—LIV Golf is also ushering in new members and unique line-ups.

Let’s dive into the top stories of the golf world this week!

This Week’s Tour Winners

By The Stats

Top Golf News

The PGA Tour has moved the 2025 Genesis Invitational to the South Course at Torrey Pines in San Diego, scheduled for February 10-16, due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Originally set to be held at Riviera Country Club, the event will return there in 2026. Hosted by Tiger Woods, the tournament benefits his TGR Foundation and will help support recovery efforts from the fires.

Tiger Woods has signed a contract extension with Bridgestone, continuing his partnership with the company after using their golf balls for 25 years. This confirms a longtime rumor that Woods was playing with Bridgestone balls, branded by Nike. Woods, who first played Bridgestone balls during his 2000 season, will stick with the Tour B X model and continue working with their R&D team.

Justin Thomas has encouraged PGA Tour players to offer more access to broadcasters to improve fan engagement and TV coverage. With viewership down, he suggested more players do interviews and wear microphones to connect better with fans, especially younger ones. Broadcasters have supported his ideas, which could help boost the Tour’s popularity.

Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, will make his 2025 season debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am next week after recovering from a cooking-related injury that required surgery. His return is seen as a boost for the PGA Tour, hoping his presence can help revive TV ratings amid recent declines.

Scheffler, coming off his historic 2024 season, will be joined by Jordan Spieth, both of which are expected to play key roles in the Tour's efforts to recover from a challenging period.

Scotty Cameron has introduced the 2025 Studio Style putter line, a tribute to the 20th anniversary of the original Super Select line, featuring 12 new blade models with carbon steel face inserts and chain-link face milling. Key innovations include adjustable weighting, new mid-mallet designs, and a custom grip, all aimed at enhancing performance and stability.

The LPGA Tour has canceled the 2025 Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship due to failed payment obligations by the event’s organizers. The tournament was set to take place in Florida but was called off after organizers did not meet their financial commitments. This marks the first cancellation of an LPGA event in recent history due to financial issues.

New On Social

Rick Shiels, a popular golf entertainment influencer, reveals that he has signed with LIV Golf as ambassador to the tour in a new YouTube video. In it, he announced upcoming challenges, interactions with pros, and educational golf content all arriving this year. Shiels even revealed that the popular ‘Break 75’ series will be returning, scheduled to occur before each LIV event.

During the final moments of Round 2 of the Farmers Insurance Open, Adam Svensson needed to make a birdie putt in order to advance to the weekend. However, an unfortunately timed play suspension horn cost him the advancement.

Following The PGA’s successful second season of ‘Full Swing’ on Netflix, they have announced the series’ renewal. Many big names, including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Thomas, are going to be featured in the upcoming season. It is expected to release on February 25.

An image of Callaway’s new Elyte Mini driver has been leaked. Despite GolfOnline UK listing the new driver on their website, no one seemed to notice. Some are speculating The Elyte Mini will be released this year, but Callaway has not released any official announcements as of yet.

Upcoming Events

Looking ahead after the L.A. wildfires, the golf world is getting its bearings again. As players return for some of the biggest events in golf, it will surely be exciting to watch.

Until next week, play well!

Johnny V