Professional golfer Patrick Reed has declared his intention to leave the LIV Golf series and pursue reinstatement on the PGA Tour, with a target return in 2027. This move comes after Reed's active participation in LIV Golf since 2022. While awaiting his PGA Tour return, he will compete primarily on the DP World Tour. This decision aligns with his stated preference for the traditional golf structure, where he achieved significant success, including a Masters championship. The announcement has stirred discussions within the golf community, particularly regarding the PGA Tour's policies for re-admitting players who joined rival tours.
Reed's Definitive Move to PGA Tour Unveiled
In a pivotal announcement made on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, esteemed golfer Patrick Reed publicly declared his decision to cease his involvement with LIV Golf. The 35-year-old athlete, currently ranked 29th globally, stated his immediate goal is to seek reinstatement on the PGA Tour for the 2027 season. Prior to this highly anticipated return, Reed will dedicate his efforts to the DP World Tour for the upcoming season.
According to official communications from the PGA Tour, Reed is eligible to participate in PGA Tour events as a non-member starting August 25, 2026. This eligibility is contingent upon his adherence to tour regulations and his abstention from unauthorized golf events. Should he meet these conditions, he could then compete in FedEx Cup Fall events as a non-member, accepting sponsor exemptions or entering open qualifying rounds. Reed had previously resigned from the PGA Tour in 2022, before his debut with LIV Golf.
Expressing his sentiments on social media, Reed conveyed, "At heart, I am a traditionalist, and I was destined for the PGA Tour, which is where my journey with my wife, Justine, began." He articulated gratitude for the opportunities he has encountered and the life he has built. Looking ahead, he is enthusiastic about his career trajectory, eagerly anticipating competition on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, and relishing the chance to revisit cherished global destinations.
Reed's announcement follows closely on the heels of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka's official reinstatement through the PGA Tour's new Returning Member Program. Koepka is scheduled to compete in this week's Farmers Insurance Open. Reed revealed his status as a LIV Golf free agent after securing a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic last Sunday. His illustrious career includes nine PGA Tour victories, highlighted by his 2018 Masters championship. His single LIV Golf win occurred last season at LIV Dallas in June, with his final LIV event being at LIV Michigan in August.
In a message of thanks, Reed acknowledged everyone who supported his decision. He reflected on personal growth during his four years with LIV Golf, stating, "I have gained a profound understanding of myself, discerning who I truly am and am not, for which I am eternally grateful." He extended his appreciation to Dustin Johnson, the Aces team, and LIV Golf for their shared memories. To his global fan base, he requested respect for the decision made for his family, children, and future.
The PGA Tour's policy of allowing LIV golfers to return has met with mixed reactions, notably from former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama. Matsuyama praised Koepka's courage but expressed confusion regarding the PGA Tour's lack of communication with players about the new rules. He questioned the specifics of the Returning Member Program, particularly the non-monetary implications and the apparent reversal of previous restrictions on LIV participants. Players returning through this program, including Koepka and Reed, will not be eligible for the player equity program until 2030.
Patrick Reed's decision marks a significant development in the ongoing narrative of professional golf, reflecting a desire to return to established circuits. His public statement, coupled with his commitment to the DP World Tour as an interim measure, showcases a strategic and personal choice to re-engage with the golf world he cherishes. This move, while sparking debate, underscores the evolving landscape of professional golf and the complex choices athletes face in balancing tradition with new opportunities.