Patrick Reed Leaves LIV Golf: Latest News & Updates

Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, has announced his departure from LIV Golf before the start of its 2026 season. This move follows a similar decision by Brooks Koepka, signaling a potential shift in allegiance among some of golf’s biggest names back to the PGA Tour.

A Return to Familiar Ground

Reed, 35, stated he is “returning to the PGA Tour as a past champion member for the 2027 season” and is eligible to compete in PGA Tour events later this year. He will continue to compete on the DP World Tour, where he recently won the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday and is currently competing in Bahrain.

Did You Know? Patrick Reed joined the LIV Golf Tour in 2022 in a deal reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars.

Implications for LIV Golf

Reed’s departure, alongside Koepka’s, raises questions about the long-term stability of LIV Golf. The source notes it is “only natural for LIV to be anxious about talent drain which once ran in their favour.” The loss of high-profile players could impact the tour’s ability to attract viewership and maintain its competitive edge.

Reed explained his decision, stating, “I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour.” He resigned his PGA Tour membership in 2022, prior to violating any regulations, which allows him to return as a non-member beginning August 25, 2026.

Expert Insight: The decisions of established players like Reed and Koepka to seek a return to the PGA Tour highlight the enduring appeal of the tour’s history, structure, and competitive framework, even in the face of significant financial incentives offered by LIV Golf.

What Could Happen Next

With Reed and Koepka now focused on the PGA Tour, attention is turning to other prominent LIV Golf players. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith remain key figures on the Saudi Arabian-backed tour. It is possible these players could also explore options for returning to the PGA Tour in the future.

The PGA Tour stated that Reed is seeking reinstatement of his membership for the 2027 season. The top 10 players on the DP World Tour’s order of merit, who are not already exempt, will earn PGA Tour cards this year, providing another pathway for players to rejoin the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Patrick Reed be eligible to compete on the PGA Tour?

Patrick Reed is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour as a non-member beginning on August 25, 2026.

How did Patrick Reed become eligible to return to the PGA Tour?

Patrick Reed resigned his PGA Tour membership in 2022 prior to violating any PGA Tour regulations, making him eligible to reapply.

Which other high-profile player has recently announced a return to the PGA Tour?

Brooks Koepka has also announced he will focus on the PGA Tour, joining Patrick Reed in leaving LIV Golf.

As players continue to navigate the evolving landscape of professional golf, will the balance of power ultimately shift back towards the established tours?