Golfer Hudson Swafford Reveals Long Suspension from PGA Tour After Playing in LIV Golf

Professional golfer from the United States, Hudson Swafford, admits he is currently serving the longest suspension in PGA Tour history. Swafford is a three-time PGA Tour winner. He played on the PGA Tour for 11 years after turning professional in 2011. 

Swafford's first title came at the CareerBuilder Challenge in 2017, before winning again at the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship in 2020.

The 2022 season was one of the best periods for the 38-year-old golfer. He won The Desert Classic in January after carding a 64 in the final round.

That same year, Swafford made his first major tournament cut when he played in The Masters and finished T30, taking home £93,150 in prize money.

However, his career path changed when he decided to play in the inaugural tournament of LIV Golf in London in 2022 without permission from the PGA Tour.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan then stated that any member violating tournament regulations would face disciplinary action. 

PGA players who chose to join LIV Golf (with significantly larger prizes) were subsequently banned from PGA Tour events.

In February 2025, Monahan also confirmed that all LIV Golf players would not be allowed to compete in PGA Tour events as non-members through sponsor exemptions or special invitation pathways.

The PGA Tour then launched the Returning Member Programme this January. The program allows LIV Golf players to return to the PGA Tour provided they comply with several strict restrictions. 

Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka was among those who accepted the offer and is now back playing on the PGA Tour.

Meanwhile, Swafford, who failed to return to LIV Golf for the 2025 season, claims he received a five-year suspension from the PGA Tour starting from his appearance at the first LIV tournament in 2022.

Speaking on Golf.com's Subpar podcast last July, he said the length of the penalty was because he played in a LIV event while still a PGA Tour member and during an Active Tour schedule.

He also believes the decision relates to the contracts of several big LIV Golf stars expiring at the end of the 2026 season. This situation could potentially allow them to return to the PGA Tour simultaneously.

"I know they based that decision on some players' contracts Running out after the 2026 season, so they could change the rules to allow everyone back," said Swafford.

"I know some players who didn't have PGA Tour status only got a one-year suspension from PGA Tour-sanctioned events, then could come back and play."

"The problem is if I go and talk to them, 'Okay, I can come back and play in 2027. But what will the PGA Tour actually look like in 2027?"

Swafford also admitted he didn't expect the conflict BETWEEN the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to last this long.

"Honestly, I didn't think this split would last this long. I don't think any of us did," he said.

"As a golf fan, you want to see the best players playing together. I don't think this split is good for the sport."

"But on the other hand, the PGA Tour did need a little shaking up."

In a follow-up interview with Sports Illustrated in January, Swafford said he still has a chance to reapply for PGA Tour membership.

"I can reapply for membership, but with the reduced PGA Tour schedule plan and a more limited number of full members—which I fully understand—it would be tough to play solely off the past champion category," said Swafford.

"But I get it. This is a new PGA Tour, with a new business model, and we've long been trying to get an off-season. Something did need to change," he concluded. (sportbible.com)