The PGA Tour has suspended Champions player Matt Gogel for violating the tour’s Integrity Program by gambling on PGA Tour competition, Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch reported. The suspension covers all Tour-sanctioned events and runs six months, from August 23, 2026 through February 22, 2027.
A PGA Tour spokesperson said in a statement: “PGA Tour Champions member Matt Gogel has been suspended for violating the PGA Tour Integrity Program. Gogel placed bets on PGA Tour competition but did not bet on tournaments in which he was a participant.” The Tour confirmed Gogel cooperated throughout the disciplinary process and said it would not comment further on the specific tournaments or outcomes involved.
Gogel provided his own statement through Tour headquarters. “In 2024 and 2025, I unknowingly violated the PGA Tour policy by placing small recreational wagers on golf. I want to be clear that these wagers were not placed on regular PGA Tour events, PGA Tour Champions events or any tournament in which I participated,” Gogel said. “I would never knowingly violate the integrity of the game of golf. I made an honest mistake and I look forward to playing in 2027 on the PGA Tour Champions.”
The PGA Tour Integrity Program prohibits wagering on any Tour-sanctioned event by members, as well as by anyone in a player’s immediate circle who receives tournament credentials, including family, caddies and agents. Penalties for violations range from a required education program to fines of up to $500,000, suspension, and even a lifetime ban.
Gogel, 55, has competed in 18 events on the Champions Tour in 2026, earning more than $760,000 in prize money. He tied for second last month at the ISPS Handa Senior Open, a senior tour major, and currently sits 20th in the Tour’s season-long Charles Schwab Cup points race. The suspension took effect the same day he finished tied 30th at the Rogers Charity Classic.
Gogel joined the PGA Tour in 2000 and retired seven years later due to injuries, winning once at the 2002 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and earning more than $4.5 million in his career. He has not won on the Champions Tour but has earned $2.68 million on the circuit since turning 50 in 2021.
