Hudson Swafford, who is expected to be dropped by LIV Golf, won’t be making a quick return to the PGA Tour. Scottie Scheffler – who recently outlined the payment deal he has with his caddie – doesn’t seem too bothered about Swafford’s predicament.
The 37-year-old golfers on the brink of being released by the Saudi-backed tour after a disappointing 2024 season, finishing 55th out of 57 players in the individual rankings. His best performance this year was at the inaugural LIV event in Mayakoba, Mexico, where he tied for 36th place, with Dustin Johnson recently providing his take on golfers returning to the PGA
Despite missing most of 2023 due to hip surgery, Swafford – who wasn’t named on Wyndham Clark’s list of golfers he would welcome back to the PGA Tour – was given a wildcard for the season, which should have safeguarded him from demotion. However, it seems that the LIV executives will not be renewing his contract, reports the Mirror US.
The American took part in the first-ever LIV event at Centurion in June 2022, but his move resulted in an indefinite suspension from the PGA Tour. He now faces a year-long wait before he can apply to rejoin the mainstream tour and is unlikely to be welcomed back warmly after attempting to sue the circuit shortly after his move to LIV.
(Image: Getty Images)
Swafford was one of three US professionals, including Talor Gooch and Matt Jones, who went to court trying to overturn their PGA Tour suspensions so they could participate in the lucrative FedEx Cup playoffs.
Scheffler didn’t mince his words, blasting the three for challenging the PGA Tour. “It’s one of those deals where those guys kind of made their decision to go join another tour and they broke the rules and regulations of our tour,” he said.
“Now they’re trying to sue us. It is definitely more than a bit frustrating. I heard that was going to happen and I know some guys aren’t surprised to see it, but I definitely am surprised to see some guys now suing us.”
The two-time Masters champ has been unwavering in his support for the PGA Tour, unlike Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka who’ve been more ambiguous. “For me, I feel like the PGA Tour is the best place to play,” he shared post-LIV Golf launch.
He continued, revealing his dreams: “My dream was to play on the PGA Tour. My dream was never to maximize my financial benefits. I feel very blessed and fortunate to play golf and get paid for it, so for me, I’m not looking to go out and do anything else.”
On another note, players like Swafford still have the Asian Tour’s International Series as an option, offering a path to LIV Golf—top players at year’s end earn their spot automatically.
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