Former Masters champ to leave LIV and seek PGA return

By Doug Ferguson

Patrick Reed is the second major champion to leave Saudi-funded LIV Golf, announcing he’ll spend the rest of the year on the European tour with an eye on returning to the PGA Tour as early as September.

His stunning decision, just three days after he won the Dubai Desert Classic, comes the same week that five-time major champion Brooks Koepka returns to the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines.

The PGA Tour sent a memo to players outlining the path back for players like Reed, who did not fit into the “Returning Member Program” that was offered only to those who had won a major or The Players Championship since 2022.

Reed won the Masters in 2018. The tour said he would be eligible to return a year from his last LIV Golf appearance on August 24, 2025.

He will not face additional discipline from the PGA Tour because Reed resigned his membership when he left for LIV, and he was not part of the antitrust lawsuit filed against the PGA Tour.

LIV Golf begins its fifth season in a week’s time in Saudi Arabia. Reed will be playing in Bahrain this week as part of the European tour schedule, his third-straight week.

He would have PGA Tour status as a past champion and also could earn a full card if he is among the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai who are not already PGA Tour members.

Reed, who moved to No.29 in the world with his Dubai win, has virtually locked up spots in all four majors this year.

In a statement about the move LIV Golf said: “We were not able to come to terms with Patrick on a potential contract extension. We’re grateful for everything he contributed during his time on the 4Aces at LIV Golf and wish him the best.

“LIV has always been an advocate for player movement and recognises that when golf settles into a new normal, players will not only have the right, but the opportunity to play golf when and where they want.

“As we look forward, our focus remains on building teams and a league that fans can believe in and players enjoy – those who compete at the highest level, play the game the right way, and understand the responsibility to grow the game around the world by engaging fans and celebrating partners.

“We’re building the world’s golf league and every decision we make is guided by what’s best for the long-term future of the game, our players, and fans.“