**Hudson Swafford Pushes Back on LIV Golf ‘Retirement League’ Narrative**
Since LIV Golf’s splashy debut in 2022, the league has battled relentless criticism—especially claims that its massive guaranteed payouts sap competitive drive. But according to former LIV player Hudson Swafford, that stereotype doesn’t match reality.
Hudson Swafford was relegated from the LIV Golf League last season and he’s had conversations with the PGA Tour about a potential return. He thinks that could be in the 2027 season and is likely based around when some of the star name LIV contracts end.
Speaking on the Subpar…
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) August 5, 2025
Speaking on the *Golf’s Subpar* podcast, the three-time PGA Tour winner—who played three seasons in LIV before being relegated in 2024—insisted the league was “super competitive.” Swafford said he saw stars like Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Dustin Johnson working *harder* on their games at LIV events than he ever did on the PGA Tour.
> “Not even close \[to being lazy],” Swafford said. “Guys are grinding… I saw Phil, Brooks, Dustin working harder on their game at events than I ever did on the PGA Tour.”
The comment challenges the “cash over competition” perception, suggesting that for many, the move to LIV hasn’t dulled their edge.
Double Standards and Perceptions**
Podcast host Drew Stoltz pointed out the irony: PGA Tour players aren’t competing for small paychecks either, yet they’re still seen as grinders. Swafford’s remarks highlight how much of the LIV criticism may be rooted in optics rather than actual work ethic.
The Suspension That Stings**
Swafford is currently serving a five-year PGA Tour suspension—one year for each LIV event he played in 2022 without a Tour release. Though he resigned his PGA Tour membership, he says he’s baffled by the length of the ban. He suspects the timing of his 2027 eligibility might coincide with other LIV contracts expiring, giving the Tour a chance to welcome players back under new terms.
Despite missing much of 2023 with a hip injury, Swafford maintains that LIV’s arrival forced the PGA Tour to innovate—something he believes ultimately benefits golf.
💬 **Debate Question:**
Is LIV Golf truly a “retirement league,” or do stories like Mickelson’s and Swafford’s prove that the competitive fire still burns?