In a significant development for professional golf, Patrick Reed has announced his departure from the LIV Golf tour, dealing another substantial blow to the Saudi Arabian-backed breakaway circuit. The 2018 Masters champion revealed his decision to leave before the start of LIV's 2026 season, opting instead to refocus his career on the established tours where he first made his name.
Reed's Return to Traditional Golf Pathways
The 35-year-old American golfer, who joined LIV Golf in 2022 in a lucrative deal reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars, made the surprise announcement during his post-tournament media conference in Dubai. Reed had just secured victory at the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour, when he revealed he hadn't yet committed to LIV for the current year.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Reed explained his reasoning behind the career shift. "After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour," said the nine-time PGA Tour winner. "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."
Dual Tour Commitment and Eligibility Pathways
Reed's transition involves a dual commitment to both major traditional tours. "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," he added. "I'm a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour."
The PGA Tour confirmed Reed's intentions in their own statement, noting that "Patrick Reed has informed the PGA Tour of his desire to return." As a nine-time winner on the circuit, he is seeking reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership for the 2027 season under the past champion category.
Importantly, because Reed resigned his PGA Tour membership in 2022 before violating any tour regulations, he becomes eligible to compete on the PGA Tour as a non-member beginning on August 25, 2026. He may also pursue improved PGA Tour status through performances on the DP World Tour, where the top ten players on the order of merit who aren't already exempt earn PGA Tour cards each year.
Following Koepka's Lead in Talent Drain
Reed's departure follows a similar path taken by fellow major champion Brooks Koepka, who was immediately reinstated on the PGA Tour through criteria that applies to major winners from 2022 onwards. This represents a significant reversal of fortune for LIV Golf, which initially attracted numerous high-profile players with substantial financial incentives.
The exit of both Reed and Koepka leaves Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith as the most prominent players remaining on the LIV Golf roster. This development naturally raises questions about whether this remaining trio might eventually seek to return to the PGA Tour themselves, potentially creating further talent drain concerns for the Saudi-backed circuit.
Immediate Competitive Schedule
Reed's immediate focus remains on the DP World Tour, where his victory in Dubai demonstrates his continued competitive edge. He is scheduled to compete in Bahrain beginning Thursday, maintaining his presence on the international golf stage while preparing for his eventual return to PGA Tour competition.
This move represents more than just an individual career decision; it signals a potential shift in the ongoing battle for supremacy in professional golf. As established tours strengthen their positions and players reconsider their long-term competitive futures, the landscape of elite golf continues to evolve in response to these high-profile transitions.
