In early February 2026, PGA Tour pro and golf content creator Wesley Bryan sat down for an in-depth conversation on the Dan on Golf YouTube channel — his first major public update on the situation since being suspended for competing in the LIV-linked event The Duels: Miami. His remarks have reignited discussion across social media and intensified the growing fan movement known as “Free Wesley.”
What Happened: The Suspension
In April 2025, the PGA Tour indefinitely suspended Bryan after he participated in The Duels: Miami — a nine-hole, made-for-YouTube scramble pairing six LIV Golf players with six golf influencers, including Bryan and his brother, George. The event was filmed at LIV’s Miami stop and streamed on Grant Horvat’s channel.
Although Bryan wasn’t a contracted LIV player, the Tour viewed his appearance as a participation in an unauthorized rival event. He was placed on probation the day after teeing off and officially suspended the day after the video aired. Bryan reported that he wasn’t told how long his suspension would last and immediately began the Tour’s appeal process.
Bryan’s Response and Appeal
Rather than expressing regret for playing, Bryan has consistently emphasized both his respect for the PGA Tour and his belief that he has a strong case in the appeal process. In his February 2026 interview and prior statements — including an earlier update to fans on his own YouTube channel — he argued that the rules weren’t written with modern content-creation events in mind and that what he did was mischaracterized.
He made clear that The Duels was fundamentally different from a full LIV Golf tour event and that he believes the rules governing suspensions were not intended to apply to a YouTube-style match. Those comments have energized supporters who see the suspension as harsh and outdated.
The “Free Wesley” Movement
Across golf forums like Reddit and Twitter, fans have turned Bryan’s case into a rallying point:
Many point out that notable players who did join LIV full-time — such as Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed — have already returned to PGA Tour competition, while Bryan’s suspension remains unresolved. This perceived inconsistency fuels frustration with tour discipline.
Community petitions and posts argue the punishment doesn’t fit the act — Bryan wasn’t paid as a LIV pro, didn’t sign with LIV, and merely took part in a fun, fan-oriented golf project.
Some fans have begun referring to his discipline as disproportionate and symbolic of a larger struggle between old restrictions and a digital era of golf entertainment.
Social Media and Fan Sentiment
On Reddit, threads with thousands of upvotes titled “Urge the PGA to reinstate Wesley Bryan without penalties” have highlighted fan perceptions of unfairness, noting that the Tour’s rules have not been clearly adapted to account for events that blend entertainment and competition.
Commenters often juxtapose Bryan’s situation with the reintegration of high-profile LIV players, arguing that if golf’s governing bodies can show flexibility for one group, they should for another — especially when the core issue isn’t leaving the Tour entirely but participating in a YouTube-centered crossover.
Where Things Stand
As of February 2026, Bryan’s suspension remains in effect and there has been no official public timeline for when his appeal might conclude or what its outcome will be. The PGA Tour has not softened its position despite returning players with LIV histories, according to recent reports.
The “Free Wesley” movement continues to advocate for his reinstatement — not just as a personal cause, but as a flashpoint in how professional golf balances competitive discipline with a rapidly changing media landscape. Whether the PGA Tour adapts its policies or maintains its current stance could influence how other players and creators navigate crossover events going forward.