Patrick Reed quits LIV Golf as PGA Tour door is opened to him

Former Masters champion joins five-time major winner Brooks Koepka in leaving breakaway circuit

Patrick Reed is joining Brooks Koepka back on the PGA Tour this year after becoming the second big gun to leave LIV Golf before the start of the new season on the breakaway circuit.

Reed announced his switch in a post on social media after dropping a bombshell in the wake of his weekend win in the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic by revealing that he hadn’t finalised a new contract with LIV Golf and was effectively a free agent.

Patrick Reed acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on Sunday | Warren Little/Getty Images

The post read: “After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour.

“I am excited to announce that I am returning to the PGA Tour as a past champion member for the 2027 season and am eligible to begin competing in PGA Tour events later this year.”

Referring to an accolade he was afforded on the back of winning The Masters in 2018, the American added: “I will continue to compete and play as an Honorary Lifetime Member on the DP World Tour, which is something that I am truly honored and excited to do.

‘I am a traditionalist at heart’

“I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour, which is where my story began with my wife, Justine.

“I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life we have created. I am moving forward in my career, and I look forward to competing on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. I can’t wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best places on earth.”

Reed, who was one of LIV Golf’s first big signings, was a member of the Dustin Johnson-captained 4Aces team on the Saudi-backed rebel circuit.

“I want to thank everyone involved for helping me make this decision,” he continued. “Over the last four years, I have learned a lot about myself, about who I am and who I am not, and for that I am forever grateful.

Patrick Reed played on the 4Aces team captained by Dustin Johnson on the Liv Golf League | Rob Carr/Getty Images

“To Dustin Johnson, The Aces, and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we shared and created together.

“To golf fans around the world, I just want to thank you all for your continued support over the years. I just ask that you respect the decision we have made for our family, our children, and our future. Thank you for your continued support.”

Five-team major winner Koepka is making his PGA Tour return in this week’s Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego after being offered the opportunity through a Returning Member Programme.

The same chance has been offered to Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith on the strength of them also being major winners since 2022.

The top ten players in the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai, not already exempt, earn PGA Tour cards, with Reed sitting second on the points list after landing a first Rolex Series title at Emirates Golf Club on Sunday.

A statement issued by the PGA Tour read: "Patrick Reed has informed the PGA Tour of his desire to return. A nine-time PGA Tour winner, he is seeking reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership for the 2027 season, playing out of the past champion category.

Eligible for PGA Tour on 25 August

"As a result of resigning his membership in 2022 prior to violating any PGA Tour Regulations, Patrick is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour as a non-member beginning on August 25, 2026. He may also pursue improved PGA Tour status via the DP World Tour.

"Similar to anyone reinstated under the Returning Member Programme, any former PGA Tour member returning to the PGA Tour would be ineligible for participation in the Player Equity Programme through 2030."

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