Why did Rick Shiels leave Nike?

Last Modified Oct 10, 2024 05:21 GMT

Rick Shiels is one of the most well-known creators of golf social media. He was born on July 3, 1986, in Bolton, England. Although Chiels is now mainly known for his golf influencer career, he started as a PGA golfer and had a career spanning over a decade. His love for golf started when he was 11, and he tried the sport out at the Hart Common Golf Club in Westhoughton. After developing an obsession with the game, he earned a certificate in golf studies from Myerscough College and qualified as a professional golfer. He began his career at the Mere Golf and Country Club in Cheshire and later at Trafford Golf Centre. He started his YouTube channel in Trafford, and the rest is history.

Shiel's channel stands out because, in addition to providing viewers with instructional films, he also produces a variety of other videos, including equipment reviews and inspirational golf tales, catering to novice and expert players. His distinct style undoubtedly contributes to his massive subscriber base. In 2019, he surpassed 561,500 subscribers to become the largest golf channel on YouTube, and by 2020, he had become the first golf vlogger to reach one million subscribers. In addition, Shiel gives back to the community by organizing YouTube Golf Day, an event he helps fundraise for Prostate Cancer UK.

Why did Rick Shiels leave Nike?

Rick Shiels used to be sponsored by Nike. However, in early 2021, Shiels decided to end his partnership with Nike as they shifted their influencer strategy. He felt the new strategy would compromise the authenticity of the content he produces. Nike's new policy requirement was to move to a 'paid-to-post' model, where Shiels would promote Nike products, namely shoes and apparel, and the deal would be based on the percentage of sales generated through the content he posts. He decided not to go ahead with this, as he realized this meant more direct promotion than content creation, which would, in turn, undermine his trust in his existing audience.

Rick Shiels sponsorships

Rick Shiels is sponsored by several big brands. He was sponsored by Nike till 2021. Currently, he has sponsors such as Garmin and Mastercard. Each sponsorship helps him to create multiple mini-series on his YouTube channel.

FAQ's On Rick Shiels leave Nike

A. Rick Shiels was born on July 3, 1986, and is 38.

A. Yes, before becoming a YouTube sensation, Rick Shiels did have a career as a professional PGA golfer for over a decade.

A. Rick Shiels is sponsored by two major companies - Garmin and Mastercard.

Related Stories

5 players who underperformed their odds at the 2025 Spanish Open ft. Jon Rahm 5 players who underperformed their odds at the 2025 Spanish Open ft. Jon Rahm
5 players who underperformed their odds at the 2025 Spanish Open ft. Jon Rahm
22h
Phil Mickelson speaks on becoming California Governor as fans urge him to run for the position Phil Mickelson speaks on becoming California Governor as fans urge him to run for the position
Phil Mickelson speaks on becoming California Governor as fans urge him to run for the position
Who won the Baycurrent Classic 2025? Final leaderboard explored Who won the Baycurrent Classic 2025? Final leaderboard explored
Who won the Baycurrent Classic 2025? Final leaderboard explored
Xander Schauffele shares why winning the 2025 Baycurrent Classic in Japan is special for him Xander Schauffele shares why winning the 2025 Baycurrent Classic in Japan is special for him
Xander Schauffele shares why winning the 2025 Baycurrent Classic in Japan is special for him
16h
Phil Mickelson reacts to a major claim about Gavin Newsom & Katie Porter's political future Phil Mickelson reacts to a major claim about Gavin Newsom & Katie Porter's political future
Phil Mickelson reacts to a major claim about Gavin Newsom & Katie Porter's political future
1d
Xander Schauffele dethrones 5x Tour winner to re-enter World Rankings top three after Baycurrent Classic triumph Xander Schauffele dethrones 5x Tour winner to re-enter World Rankings top three after Baycurrent Classic triumph
Xander Schauffele dethrones 5x Tour winner to re-enter World Rankings top three after Baycurrent Classic triumph
1d
Amanda Balionis ‘endorses’ a popular feeling test on latest IG story Amanda Balionis ‘endorses’ a popular feeling test on latest IG story
Amanda Balionis ‘endorses’ a popular feeling test on latest IG story
13h
Max Greyserman unravels positive learning at Baycurrent Classic after losing the title to Xander Schauffele Max Greyserman unravels positive learning at Baycurrent Classic after losing the title to Xander Schauffele
Max Greyserman unravels positive learning at Baycurrent Classic after losing the title to Xander Schauffele
18h
“I feel very confident when I am sexy” - When Paige Spiranac talked about choosing modeling after pro golf career “I feel very confident when I am sexy” - When Paige Spiranac talked about choosing modeling after pro golf career
“I feel very confident when I am sexy” - When Paige Spiranac talked about choosing modeling after pro golf career
2h
2025 Open de España prize money payout: How much did each golfer earn from the $3.25M purse? 2025 Open de España prize money payout: How much did each golfer earn from the $3.25M purse?
2025 Open de España prize money payout: How much did each golfer earn from the $3.25M purse?
1d
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications