‘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.
-
You Don't See This Very Often... Why Does This Tour Pro Have A Right Handed And Left Handed Putter In The Bag This Week?
Playing the Australian Women's Classic, it was revealed that Marianne Skarpnord had put two putters in her bag for the week, with the reason being quite simple
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Final Round Tee Times For The Players Championship Moved Up Due to Storm Forecast
The final round of the PGA Tour's flagship event will see everyone tee it up earlier than expected, and in a period of a little over two hours, in a bid to ensure a Sunday finish
By Mike Hall Published
-
Jon Rahm Equals Bryson DeChambeau's LIV Golf Record After Strong Start In Singapore
The Legion XIII captain matched Bryson DeChambeau's record for consecutive scores under-par in the second round of LIV Golf Singapore
By Mike Hall Published
-
‘I Think It’s Dead, I Think The Other Side Is Gone’ - Lee Trevino Gives Take On PGA Tour-LIV Golf Divide And Calls For Players And Caddies To Speed Up
Lee Trevino was full of praise for the PGA Tour and its immediate future, as he believes that a deal with the Saudi PIF may not come at all
By Paul Higham Published
-
Dustin Johnson Goes From Worst To First At LIV Golf Singapore
After finishing dead last a week ago, Dustin Johnson fired a brilliant 63 to lead LIV Golf Singapore by three to quieten all the talk about his struggles
By Paul Higham Published
-
'They Need Us' - Bubba Watson Calls For Top 15 From LIV To Qualify For All The Majors
Bubba Watson says the top 15 players in the LIV Golf standings should all get into the Majors the following year - as the big four events need them
By Paul Higham Published
-
Brandel Chamblee Claims There Would Be 'Uproar On The PGA Tour' If LIV Golfers Were Allowed To Play Signature Events
The Golf Channel analyst claimed 'it would be wrong' if players from the LIV Golf League were allowed to play Signature Events on the PGA Tour
By Matt Cradock Published
-
How Can LIV Golf And PGA Tour Work Together? Paul McGinley Reveals Proposal For Unity
The former Ryder Cup captain explained how a PGA Tour and PIF merger could work, with McGinley claiming the circuits need to 'find some common ground'
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Brooks Koepka Addresses PGA Tour Return Rumors
The LIV player responded questions about a potential PGA Tour return following comments from Fred Couples who said he felt Koepka "wants to come back"
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Anthony Kim On How Twitter Rumor Led To His LIV Golf Comeback
Kim was out of the game for 12 years before revealing how a random rumor on Twitter ultimately led to his pro golf return with LIV
By Jonny Leighfield Published