‘Ten Times Better’ - LIV Pro Makes Bold Statement On Standard Of League
Thomas Pieters is a former European Tour member who resigned his card when signing for the LIV Golf League in 2023


Belgian golfer Thomas Pieters believes the standard of play in the LIV Golf League is "10 times better" than that of his previous employer, the DP World Tour.
Pieters spent the best part of a decade as a member of the European Tour and claimed six titles - including the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a Rolex Series event - after turning pro in 2013.
His strong form between 2021 and 2023, which included two wins, had put him in contention for a Ryder Cup spot at Marco Simone under Luke Donald, too.
However, the 32-year-old never boarded the plane to Italy due to resigning his DP World Tour card after signing for LIV and becoming a member of Bubba Watson's RangeGoats GC.
And following his first full season as a member of the 54-hole set-up, Pieters shared his thoughts on the differences between where he came from and where he is now.
Speaking to Gulf News at LIV Golf Jeddah, Pieters said: “Coming from the DP World Tour, the standard of golf is ten times better than what I used to play.
“You can’t hide out here. As you can see from my results, I haven’t had the best year – if you’re average or have a bad week you’re going to finish last or in the last five which sucks, but that’s just the way it is. LIV is getting very strong.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The signings of Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adrian Meronk may have increased the number of familiar European faces known to Pieters, but it has also greatly stiffened the level of competition - something which will make overcoming Pieters' slump in form even touger.
The Belgian is yet to crack the top-30 in three events so far this year, while he finished no higher than 10th throughout the whole of 2023 - although there were four other results better than 20th.
Outlining the reasons for a disappointing debut campaign with the RangeGoats, Pieters said: “Some personal stuff, not doing enough practice and having two young kids is not easy – they’re awesome but it’s very tiring!
“I obviously don’t live in a country (Belgium) with the best weather, so the winter has been tough. And then I had to go and play in Mexico which is the tightest place on earth.
“It’s not great for the confidence, but it is what it is. I don’t want to make excuses - it’s just not been great.”
Pieters' 2024 season continues with LIV Golf Hong Kong this week, which arrives days after CEO Greg Norman reportedly announced that the PIF-backed circuit would be abandoning its quest to become an eligible tour in the eyes of the OWGR.

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Yan Liu Facts: 10 Things To Know About The LPGA Tour Pro
Yan Liu has been making solid progress in her professional career – here are 10 things to know about the LPGA Tour golfer
By Mike Hall
-
Mao Saigo Facts: 14 Things You Didn't Know About The Japanese Golfer
Discover more about Japanese pro golfer, Mao Saigo via these facts regarding her life and journey through the game so far...
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Richard Bland Makes Albatross At LIV Golf Mexico City
The Cleeks GC player found the hole with just his second shot at the par-5 16th during the second round of the tournament
By Mike Hall
-
Bryson DeChambeau Produces 377 Yard Average Off The Tee At LIV Golf Mexico City
The American had the driver firing during his first round in Mexico City, with DeChambeau producing mammoth drive after mammoth drive at Club de Golf Chapultepec
By Matt Cradock
-
How Many LIV Golfers Have Qualified For the PGA Championship?
Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka are just two of 13 players from LIV Golf who will be able to tee it up at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow
By Paul Higham
-
Watch Bryson DeChambeau Smash 400+ Yard Monster Drive In LIV Golf Mexico Practice
DeChambeau is hitting mega drives this week in the 7,800ft altitude setting of Golf Club de Chapultepec in Mexico City
By Elliott Heath
-
Ping Joins Callaway As Second Manufacturer To Sponsor LIV Golf Team
Ping has signed a deal to sponsor Joaquin Niemann's LIV Golf team Torque GC just ahead of the event in Mexico
By Paul Higham
-
Wesley Bryan Confirms He Will Appeal ‘Indefinite’ PGA Tour Suspension
The YouTube content creator has confirmed he will be appealing the PGA Tour’s decision to suspend him for taking part in the LIV Golf: The Duels match
By Mike Hall
-
Why Does Tyrrell Hatton Wear The Topgolf Logo On His Hat?
The Englishman has the driving-range company on his cap due to a deal involving his LIV Golf League team, Legion XIII and Callaway
By Jonny Leighfield
-
LIV Golf Leaderboard At The Masters: Bryson DeChambeau Two Back Heading Into Final Round At Augusta National
Bryson DeChambeau is the highest-placed of the seven LIV Golfers who made the cut Augusta National, and he begins the fourth round just two off the lead
By Elliott Heath