LIV Golf rocked as Patrick Reed walks out on Saudi rebel tour and follows Brooks Koepka back to PGA
Patrick Reed has walked away from LIV in a huge blow to the rebel golf league.
The 2018 Masters champion hinted at the weekend that a change was in the pipeline when he revealed he was out of contract with the Saudi-backed circuit and offered no guarantee of re-signing in time for the start of their 2026 season.
That has now materialized with Reed confirming his departure on Wednesday, just weeks after Brooks Koepka quit LIV in favour of a return to the PGA Tour.
Reed will not be eligible for an immediate comeback on the PGA Tour, because he does not meet the ‘Returning Member’ criteria that was contrived to smooth the way for Koepka. But the American circuit have said he will be permitted to play as a non-member in their events from August of this year ahead of a full return in 2027.
Reed, who won the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday and will utilise his DP World Tour membership in the meantime, said in a statement: ‘After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour.
‘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.
Patrick Reed has confirmed he is leaving the LIV Golf tour and will return to the PGA Tour
Reed, a 2018 Masters champion, said Wednesday that he is 'born to play' on the PGA Tour
‘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, who joined LIV in 2022, added: ‘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.
‘To Dustin Johnson, The Aces, and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we shared and created together.’
Reed’s split will sting bitterly for LIV. Like or loathe him, the controversial American is one of the most recognizable figures in the sport and his departure will sap yet more momentum for the breakaway circuit.
To that end among others, his capture will be a coup for both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour at a time when LIV appear to be on the ropes.
The irony is that the latter tour is closing in on its long-held aim of securing world ranking points and has also made progress in finally securing serious broadcast arrangements. To therefore lose two high-profile names in quick succession will be a major setback.
There will perhaps be a crumb of comfort for LIV that the PGA Tour do not expect to succeed in plans to lure back Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm or Cameron Smith, who were all eligible to follow Koepka through the same ‘Returning Member’ loophole.
They qualified for the hastily-created exemption on the basis of having won a major or Players Championship in the past four years, but are considered unlikely to meet the February 2 deadline.
Reed follows fellow US star Brooks Koepka is leaving the Saudi tour for a PGA comeback
Bryson DeChambeau is set to remain on the LIV Tour ahead of the start of the 2026 season
Reed, the world No 29, was not eligible for the same manoeuvre, having won the Masters eight years ago.
A PGA Tour statement read: ‘Patrick Reed has informed the PGA Tour of his 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.’
