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3w ago

Former LIV Golfer James Piot Secures Sponsor Exemption to Rocket Mortgage Classic

His entry under an unrestricted sponsor exemption signals a flexible application of the PGA Tour’s one-year ban for LIV participants.

James Piot of the United States in action on the 10th hole during the second round of The International Series Japan presented by Moutai at Caledonian Golf Club on May 9, 2025 in Yokoshibahikari, Chiba, Japan.
May 28, 2023; Potomac Falls, Virginia, USA; James Piot hits a tee shot on the eleventh hole during the final round of LIV Golf Washington, D.C. golf tournament at Trump National. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
American James Piot will become the first fomer LIV Golf player with a sponsor exemption into a PGA Tour event when he tees off at the Rocket Classic in Detroit

Overview

  • Piot completed a 21-event stint with LIV Golf across 2022 and 2023 before serving a one-year PGA Tour suspension that ended in October 2024.
  • Mark Hollis of Rock Ventures personally supported Piot’s entry at the Detroit Golf Club, his hometown venue.
  • The 2025 Rocket Mortgage Classic carries a $9.6 million purse and features a strong field including Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama and defending champion Cam Davis.
  • Piot had planned to earn his spot through a Monday qualifier before receiving the unrestricted sponsor exemption.
  • His inclusion highlights the PGA Tour’s evolving policy on reintegrating former LIV golfers via exemptions rather than immediate full membership.