Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, announced on January 28, 2026, that he is departing LIV Golf after four seasons to rejoin the PGA Tour. He plans to compete full-time on the DP World Tour this year before becoming eligible for PGA Tour events as a non-member starting August 25, 2026. Reed will reinstate his membership for the 2027 season as a past champion.
Patrick Reed's decision marks the second high-profile departure from LIV Golf, following Brooks Koepka's return to the PGA Tour earlier this month. Reed, a nine-time PGA Tour winner who joined LIV in June 2022 as part of Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC team, revealed after his victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on January 25, 2026, that he had not yet signed a new contract with LIV for the upcoming season.
In a statement posted on social media, Reed explained his motivations: “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.” He also thanked LIV Golf, Johnson, and the 4Aces team for the memories shared over four years, during which he finished seventh or better in points three times and won once at LIV Dallas in 2025.
The PGA Tour confirmed Reed's eligibility in a statement, noting that since he resigned his membership in 2022 before violating any regulations, he faces no additional discipline. He can return as a non-member on August 25, 2026—one year after his last LIV event on August 24, 2025—allowing participation in FedExCup Fall events via sponsor exemptions or open qualifying. Full membership reinstatement occurs January 1, 2027, in the past champion category. Reed could improve his status by finishing in the top 10 of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai among non-members; his Dubai win elevated him to No. 2 in those standings and No. 29 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Reed will play this week's Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour, where he holds honorary lifetime membership. Like Koepka, he is ineligible for the PGA Tour's Player Equity Program through 2030. Other former LIV players, including Pat Perez, Hudson Swafford, and Kevin Na, have reinstated memberships but face disciplinary delays, with Perez and Swafford eligible for 2027.
LIV Golf responded: “We were not able to come to terms with Patrick on a potential contract extension. We're grateful for everything he contributed during his time on the 4Aces at LIV Golf and wish him the best.” The league emphasized its support for player movement as it prepares for its fifth season opener in Riyadh on February 4, 2026.
