[Photo: Fadel Senna]
Patrick Reed is leaving LIV Golf, and he and several other players are seeking reinstatement with the PGA Tour.
Reed, 35, had remarked just days ago after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic that he had not re-signed yet with LIV Golf for the 2026 season yet he still expected to compete on the Saudi-backed circuit when it begins next week.
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“We’re still finalising the contract; we’re not complete on that yet,” Reed said after winning the DP World Tour’s Rolex Series opener at the Emirates Golf Club. “I haven’t talked to the team back home or anything like that. But at the moment, I plan on teeing it up there in Riyadh, and I’d be surprised if we’re not.”
However, Reed had expressed interest in returning to the PGA Tour after the tour opened the door to Brooks Koepka and other LIV members, despite not qualifying for the immediate exemption as laid out by new tour chief executive Brian Rolapp.
Overnight, Australian time, Reed and the tour announced that he would be seeking a return.
“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,” Reed posted on social media. “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.”
Reed is a nine-time winner on the PGA Tour, highlighted by his victory at the 2018 Masters. He has also been a frequent target of criticism for allegations about this play; Reed has denied any accusations about this conduct and filed a $US750 million lawsuit against Golf Channel and several media members on the subject. The lawsuits were dismissed.
Official Statement from the PGA TOUR pic.twitter.com/mqYwv9Z9sh
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 28, 2026
As noted in his statement, he is expected to play most of the year on the DP World Tour. He is 29th in the Official World Golf Ranking, which should allow him to compete in all four majors this year.
Reed last competed on LIV in August, meaning he will not be eligible to return to the tour until late August this year, which would be the week of the Tour Championship. Essentially, Reed is eligible to play in the tour’s “Fall” season as a non-member. According to the PGA Tour, Reed would then be able to reinstate his membership for the 2027 season, where he would play out of the past champion category.
Similar to anyone reinstated under the Returning Member Program, Reed would be ineligible to participate in the Player Equity Program until 2031. He will, however, be eligible for the Presidents Cup in September.
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Interestingly, the news coincides not only with Koepka’s return to the tour but during the Farmers Insurance Open. The event served as Reed’s last win on tour in 2021, the week was known for Reed obtaining free relief from an embedded ball in the rough. Though tour officials granted Reed relief and confirmed he had followed procedure, video of the ball bouncing in the rough garnered controversy from fans, media and fellow players.
Along with Reed, fellow LIV Golf members Pat Perez, Kevin Na and Hudson Swafford have also applied for reinstatement to the PGA Tour. They would not be eligible for a return until 2027.
