Former Masters champion Patrick Reed is set to make a significant return to the PGA Tour after his stint with LIV Golf. Reed announced his decision to ESPN, sharing that he resigns from LIV having joined the Saudi Arabian-backed tour in June 2022. During his time with LIV, Reed enjoyed the friendships and connections he made, citing family as a driving factor in his desire to play closer to home.
Reed’s eligibility to return to the PGA Tour begins on August 25, nearly a year after his last participation in a LIV Golf event, allowing him to compete in the FedEx Cup Fall events. “I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA TOUR,” Reed stated on social media. He expressed his eagerness to rejoin the tour, mentioning the thrill of playing at prestigious venues.
As he transitions back, Reed will act as a non-member and will need to qualify for FedEx Cup Fall events through open qualifiers and sponsor exemptions. He has also requested reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership for the 2027 season as a past champion, with a chance to secure better status through tournament performances.
Reed acknowledged that he always envisioned his return to the PGA Tour and is ready to earn his place back on the circuit. As part of his return agreement, he has agreed to forfeit player equity in PGA Tour Enterprises through 2030.
In a broader context, Reed’s move mirrors recent trends among former LIV Golf players, as Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour earlier this month. Koepka’s return, facilitated by a new Returning Member Program, highlights a growing sentiment among players realizing that the PGA Tour remains a premier platform for competitive golf.
This change in player dynamics underscores the evolving landscape of professional golf, as the PGA Tour continues to strengthen its position in the sport. LIV Golf issued a statement expressing gratitude for Reed’s contributions while encouraging player movement within golf’s evolving framework.
As Reed prepares for his return, the excitement surrounding his comeback includes the possibility of selection for the 2026 U.S. Presidents Cup team. His story adds to the narrative of golf’s trajectory, where the PGA Tour aims to welcome back players while maintaining competitive integrity and fairness. Reed’s decision, along with those of others, marks a hopeful future for the PGA, as it reaffirms its standing as the preferred stage for the sport’s elite.