Swafford Details Lengthy PGA Tour Suspension
Hudson Swafford, a three-time PGA Tour winner and former LIV Golf player, says he won’t be allowed to return to the PGA Tour until 2027. The 37-year-old golfer claims the ban stems from his decision to compete in five LIV Golf tournaments in 2022 without obtaining a release from the PGA Tour.
Speaking on the Golf.com Subpar podcast, Swafford revealed that he was informed of a suspension equal to the number of LIV events he played. “I don’t know how you can come up with a five or five-and-a-half year suspension based on five events,” he said.
Although he’s a past PGA Tour winner, Swafford believes his chances of returning under the past champions category are slim. He also said field reductions and the potential elimination of opposite-field events further complicate his path back.
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Swafford noted that any return in 2027 would depend on how the PGA Tour evolves by then. “What does 2027 even look like?” he asked. “They’re already reducing fields. The past champions category might be gone by then.”
According to Swafford, his suspension may also be linked to the expiration of contracts for other LIV players in 2026. He speculated that the PGA Tour may be preparing to re-integrate LIV golfers collectively at that point.
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Despite the setback, Swafford defended his choice to join LIV — citing dissatisfaction with the PGA Tour and a need for change. He admitted the decision was difficult but felt the shake-up was necessary for the sport.
“I still think it needs to come together,” he said of the PGA-LIV divide. “As a golf fan, you want to see the best playing together. I don’t think this fracture is good for the game.”
Swafford praised LIV’s limited schedule and team format, but was disappointed that the league still lacks Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) status. LIV’s initial application was denied in 2023, prompting it to withdraw in 2024, a move that frustrated many players.
“We’re giving up?” Swafford recalled players asking at a team meeting.
While a return to the Tour isn’t likely before 2027, Swafford could try to Monday qualify or participate in the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament late that year. But even that route remains uncertain as the tour continues to evolve.
For now, Swafford appears resigned to waiting, watching, and hoping the fractured world of professional golf can one day reunite.
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