26-Year-Old Ex-LIV Golfer Set to Make PGA Tour Return
The Rocket Classic tees off on Thursday with quite an impressive field, but a surprise last-minute addition is what grabbed the attention of the fans.
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James Piot has been added to the field on an unrestricted sponsor's exemption, the PGA Tour announced Monday. The event, set at Detroit Golf Club in Michigan, will feature 150 players competing for a $9.6 million purse.
Piot, 26, is a native of Farmington Hills and a 2021 U.S. Amateur champion. He turned professional in May 2022 and immediately joined LIV Golf, competing in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
He represented HyFlyers GC in LIV Golf before finishing 47th on the individual points list in 2023, which led to his relegation following the promotions event.
His final LIV appearance occurred in mid‑October 2023, marking the end of a two‑year stint with the breakaway tour.
James Piot hits his tee shot on the third hole during the second round of LIV Golf Washington.© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Under PGA Tour rules, players who entered unauthorized events face a one‑year ban. Piot became eligible again in October 2024.
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Multiple withdrawals from the Rocket Mortgage Classic field opened a slot, which organizers filled with Piot's unrestricted sponsor's exemption.
This marks Piot's first PGA Tour start since 2022 when he competed in several invitationals, including the Masters and U.S. Open, but missed the cut in each.
Piot's return to PGA Tour competition will be closely watched. Besides him, recent Travelers Championship winner Keegan Bradley is the one to watch going into this tournament. Another one being Charles Schwab winner Ben Griffin and rookie Luke Clanton.
Related: Keegan Bradley Makes Revelation on Wife Jillian Bradley After Travelers Championship Win
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
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