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

Golf analyst says Rory McIlroy plays "his worst golf" at Augusta ahead of the 2025 Masters Golf analyst says Rory McIlroy plays "his worst golf" at Augusta ahead of the 2025 Masters
Golf analyst says Rory McIlroy plays "his worst golf" at Augusta ahead of the 2025 Masters
1d
Amanda Balionis drops 4-word reaction to Tiger Woods' April Fools' prank on his 6.4 million X followers Amanda Balionis drops 4-word reaction to Tiger Woods' April Fools' prank on his 6.4 million X followers
Amanda Balionis drops 4-word reaction to Tiger Woods' April Fools' prank on his 6.4 million X followers
1d
Jena Sims refuses to "take antibiotics" in her latest message to her 317K IG followers Jena Sims refuses to "take antibiotics" in her latest message to her 317K IG followers
Jena Sims refuses to "take antibiotics" in her latest message to her 317K IG followers
1d
$200M-worth Rory McIlroy inches close to beating Tiger Woods' winless drought $200M-worth Rory McIlroy inches close to beating Tiger Woods' winless drought
$200M-worth Rory McIlroy inches close to beating Tiger Woods' winless drought
1d
Tiger Woods participates in a fake injury prank predicted by PGA Tour pro Tiger Woods participates in a fake injury prank predicted by PGA Tour pro
Tiger Woods participates in a fake injury prank predicted by PGA Tour pro
1d
Does the 2025 T-Mobile Match Play have a cut? Format and key details explored Does the 2025 T-Mobile Match Play have a cut? Format and key details explored
Does the 2025 T-Mobile Match Play have a cut? Format and key details explored
1d
"It's easier to struggle in light, than in darkness": Scottie Scheffler gets real about Grayson Murray's passing "It's easier to struggle in light, than in darkness": Scottie Scheffler gets real about Grayson Murray's passing
"It's easier to struggle in light, than in darkness": Scottie Scheffler gets real about Grayson Murray's passing
13h
"We're F1 of golf" - LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil makes big viewership claim amid tour's worrying numbers "We're F1 of golf" - LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil makes big viewership claim amid tour's worrying numbers
"We're F1 of golf" - LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil makes big viewership claim amid tour's worrying numbers
12h
$40M-worth LIV Golfer calls out DP World Tour for biased treatment to Jon Rahm while other defectors struggle with fines $40M-worth LIV Golfer calls out DP World Tour for biased treatment to Jon Rahm while other defectors struggle with fines
$40M-worth LIV Golfer calls out DP World Tour for biased treatment to Jon Rahm while other defectors struggle with fines
1d
"It’s going badly" - Golf analyst reveals $800M-worth Tiger Woods' possible reason to play despite injury woes and forgettable form "It’s going badly" - Golf analyst reveals $800M-worth Tiger Woods' possible reason to play despite injury woes and forgettable form
"It’s going badly" - Golf analyst reveals $800M-worth Tiger Woods' possible reason to play despite injury woes and forgettable form
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
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications