Former LIV Golf star Hudson Swafford shares his journey after being kicked out of LIV Golf and banned from the PGA Tour. Discover how he transitioned from professional golf to a career in real estate, his thoughts on the future of the sport, and his family life. Learn about the challenges he faced, his discussions with the PGA Tour, and why he’s embracing this new chapter. Perfect for golf fans, career changers, and anyone interested in the intersection of sports and real estate. Keywords: Hudson Swafford, LIV Golf, PGA Tour, real estate, golf career, sports transition, family life.
Imagine being a rising star in golf only to get sidelined by a fierce rivalry between tours, lose your contract, and pivot to an entirely new life in real estate. Sounds like a plot twist from a drama, right? But here’s where it gets controversial. Hudson Swafford, once a shining name in the world of professional golf, has traded his clubs for property listings after a turbulent journey through the LIV golf saga. At 38 years old, this American golfer found himself at a pivotal crossroads last year when LIIV Golf decided not to extend his contract. He’d spent the previous season as a wildcard player, but despite starting strong with AT36 finish, his performance didn’t improve, leading to his release. This came just over a year after he made headlines by defecting from the PGA Tour to join LIIV Golf’s inaugural events in 2022, where he competed in five tournaments as a three-time PGA Tour winner. To help beginners understand the context, the PGA Tour is the established organization that hosts most traditional professional golf events in the US, offering prestige and career stability for players. LIIV Golf, on the other hand, is a newer Saudibbacked league that broke away in 2022, promising bigger payouts and shorter tournaments, but sparking intense debate over ethics, as many see it as a threat to the PGA’s model. Swaffford was among the first wave of players to make this switch, but it didn’t come without consequences. He faced a lengthy suspension from the PGA Tour for his decision. A hip injury complicated his 2023 season, and that wildcard spot in 2024 was meant to be his comeback opportunity. Unfortunately, his struggles on the course left his golf future hanging in the balance, especially since PGA rules bar LIIV players from rejoining for at least 12 months after departure. And this is the part most people miss, the bold choice to step away entirely. Instead of grinding on alternative golf circuits, Swaffford chose to take a refreshing hiatus from the sport and dive into real estate. He’s now employed by a real estate firm in Atlanta, building a new career while keeping the door open for a possible golf return. But more importantly, he’s embracing this change, dedicating energy to family life with his three kids. In a candid chat on the subpar podcast, Swaffford opened up about his golf wos. I’ve been really battling it out on the course lately, and my scores tell the whole story, especially during my time with LIV these past years. Golf had me feeling pretty low, he shared. Starting fresh in real estate has been a breath of fresh air, and pouring my efforts into it has been incredibly rewarding. He added, “It’s given me space to recharge, spend quality time with my family. Golf is an incredible game and competing at the top level is unmatched, but it’s incredibly demanding on family dynamics. With three kids, being present more has been a real eye opener. It’s actually been super enjoyable. Swaffford’s path back to the PGA isn’t straightforward. The automatic 12-month ban for LIIV defectors would have delayed his return anyway, but he’s revealed his suspension extends until 2027 based on the five LIV events he played in 2022 while PGA season over overlapped. He’s engaged in talks with the PGA, describing them as promising exchanges mixed with some uncertainty, and notes that the 2027 end date seems tied to contract expirations after the 2026 season, potentially allowing rule tweaks to welcome back players. Yet, Swafford questions the fairness of this timeline. I’m puzzled how they arrived at a five or 5 and a halfyear ban just for competing in five events during the 2022 PGA season when I couldn’t secure media exemptions. He explained, “They’re essentially ducking me a year per event leading to 2027. While some former LIV players have rejoined the PGA after a year’s hiatus, Swafford feels his case differs. He envisions the LIVPGA divide eventually healing, but remains skeptical about his personal ban’s harshness. Now thriving in real estate, Swafford is uncertain about golf’s landscape if he returns. He anticipates PGA tour changes could affect qualification, like fewer opposite field events and shrinking participation fields. If I approach them about coming back in 2027, what will the tour even resemble? he pondered. Will there be no more events outside the main circuit? Fields are already getting smaller. He predicts the end of the past champions category after this year, though we can agree or disagree and suggests he’d likely need to qualify via Monday qualifiers or QL in 2027. For context, Qchool is a qualifying tournament series where golfers v for PGA Tour cards based on performance. This story isn’t just about one man’s career shift. It’s a glimpse into the heated debate over tour loyalty, player rights, and the evolving golf industry. But here’s where it gets controversial. Is Safford’s extended ban a fair punishment for competing in a rival league? Or is it an example of the PGA Tour flexing its power to discourage defections? Some might argue the ban protects the tour’s integrity, while others see it as punitive gatekeeping that stifles competition. What do you think? Does the PGA Tour have a right to enforce such strict rules, or should players have more freedom to choose their paths? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear agreements, disagreements, or fresh perspectives on this golf drama. Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package. This article contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission on any sales generated. Learn more. 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