Patrick Reed has announced he has left LIV Golf and will be making a return to the PGA TOUR.
The 35-year-old American, who won last weekend’s Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour, switched to the lucrative Saudi-backed circuit in 2022 but will now follow the footsteps of Brooks Koepka who has rejoined the PGA TOUR via the new Returning Member Program.
As Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith are the only additional players, alongside Koepka, who are eligible for the Returning Member Program, Reed will not be able to make his comeback appearance on the PGA TOUR until August, a year on from his last LIV Golf appearance. The 2018 Masters champion will instead continue to play on the DP World Tour and will look to reinstate his membership for the 2027 season.
Following his Dubai Desert Classic triumph, Reed revealed he had not yet signed his LIV Golf League contract but stated they were “finalising the contract”. However, Reed released a statement confirming and explaining his decision to leave.
“After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour,” Reed said. “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.
“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’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA TOUR.”
LIV Golf stated they “were not able to come to terms with Patrick on a potential contract extension” but were “grateful for everything he contributed during his time” with them.
While the PGA TOUR shared Reed’s “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.
“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 Program, any former PGA TOUR member returning to the PGA TOUR would be ineligible for participation in the Player Equity Program through 2030.”
Reed’s next appearance will come at this week’s Bahrain Championship at Royal GC.