Patrick Reed Returns to PGA Tour After LIV Golf Stint

Patrick Reed has announced his return to the PGA Tour after spending the last four years in the LIV Golf league, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. In a post on X, he expressed his feelings about going back, stating, “I’m a traditionalist at heart and was born to play on the PGA Tour. That’s where my story with my wife Justine began.”

Reed noted that his decision came after considerable thought and that he will be eligible to compete on the tour later this year. He shared, “I’m very lucky with the opportunities that have come my way,” and mentioned his eagerness to play on the PGA and DP World Tours again. “I can’t wait to revisit some of the best places on earth,” he added.

Reflecting on his time with LIV Golf, he said, “In the past four years, I have learned so much about myself, who I am and who I am not. I’m forever grateful for that. Thank you to Dustin Johnson, The Aces, and everyone at LIV for the memories. We appreciate the support from all golf fans and ask for understanding regarding our decisions for our families and future.”

Reed becomes the second golfer to return to the PGA Tour this month, following Brooks Koepka. Koepka, a five-time major champion, is set to play in this weekend’s Farmers Insurance Open.

Last year, LIV announced plans to expand its format from 54 to 72 holes, citing this and guaranteed pay as key attractions for golfers. Despite these changes, some notable players like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith have chosen to stay with LIV Golf. DeChambeau commented on Koepka’s return, saying, “I never imagined it would happen.”

Meanwhile, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolup mentioned that Koepka’s return has prompted a program for golfers who may reconsider their memberships after leaving the tour. He revealed that Koepka had to agree to several conditions upon his return, such as forfeiting potential equity in the PGA Tour’s player equity program, which could mean a loss of about $50 million to $85 million in revenue, depending on future performance.

Overall, it seems the landscape of professional golf continues to shift, and this latest move from Reed further adds to the ongoing discussions surrounding LIV Golf and the PGA Tour’s future.