The PGA Tour has reinstated the memberships of Kevin Na, Pat Perez, and Hudson Swafford, following similar actions for Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed. These players, who defected to the LIV Golf circuit, must resolve outstanding disciplinary violations before returning. They will be eligible to compete starting January 1, 2027.
The PGA Tour's decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the established circuit and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league. Kevin Na, Pat Perez, and Hudson Swafford join major champions Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed in having their memberships restored, though none qualify under the Tour's recently announced Returning Member Program.
Na, a five-time PGA Tour winner with his last victory at the 2021 Sony Open in Hawaii, struggled on LIV with just one top-10 finish in 48 starts. He served as captain of the Iron Heads team until the end of last season, when he was replaced by Byeong Hun An. Na last competed in an unauthorized tournament on August 24, 2025, and is currently addressing disciplinary actions.
Pat Perez, who has three Tour wins including the 2017 CIMB Classic, had his membership reinstated in January 2026. His last LIV appearance was in August 2024, but his 2025 role as a broadcaster for the league is viewed as promoting an unauthorized event under PGA Tour rules. Like the others, Perez is serving disciplinary measures.
Hudson Swafford, another three-time winner with his most recent triumph at the 2022 American Express, joined LIV on June 2 and played in its inaugural event nine days later. All three players will sit out the 2026 season and remain ineligible for the Player Equity Program through 2030 while completing their penalties.
This development highlights the pathways for LIV defectors to return, though full reintegration requires navigating strict guidelines.
