Former Masters champion Patrick Reed has announced his departure from LIV Golf, paving the way for a return to the PGA Tour in 2027 as a past champion. He plans to compete on the DP World Tour throughout 2026 to potentially secure full PGA Tour status. The move follows Brooks Koepka's recent exit from LIV and highlights shifting player allegiances in professional golf.
Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner, revealed on Wednesday that he is leaving LIV Golf after joining the Saudi-backed league in 2022. In a social media statement, Reed said, "After careful thought and consideration, 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."
Reed's path back differs from Koepka's, who returned immediately via the PGA Tour's new Returning Member Program for recent major winners. Because Reed resigned his membership before joining LIV and avoided antitrust lawsuits against the Tour, he faces no additional discipline. He can resume PGA Tour play as a non-member starting August 25, 2026—one year after his last LIV event on August 24, 2025—through sponsor exemptions or past champion status. To gain full 2027 status, Reed aims for a top-10 finish in the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai, where he sits second after winning the Dubai Desert Classic last week.
LIV Golf responded, stating they could not agree on a contract extension but remain "an advocate for player movement." The league expressed gratitude for Reed's contributions to the 4Aces team and emphasized building a fan-focused product.
Reed wasted no time post-announcement, carding a 1-under 71 in the first round of the Bahrain Championship on Thursday, trailing leaders Alejandro Del Rey and Freddy Schott by six shots. He added the Qatar Masters to his schedule, extending his Middle East commitments.
PGA Tour players have reacted positively to such returns. Adam Scott, a policy board member, noted, "It sounds like he is using the pathway that has been there for players returning." Ludvig Åberg added, "If you’re doing it the right way and you want to come back, I have no problem."
The Tour also reinstated Kevin Na, Pat Perez, and Hudson Swafford, though they face suspensions and disciplinary reviews before competing. Reed's departure, alongside Koepka's, underscores LIV's challenges as contracts expire and players seek broader schedules.
