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Another LIV golfer returns to where it all began.
Patrick Reed announced Wednesday that he will return to the PGA Tour after spending the past four years in the Saudi-backed league.
“I am a traditionalist at heart and was born to play on the PGA TOUR, which is where my story began with my wife, Justine,” the 2018 Masters champion wrote in a lengthy article on X.
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Patrick Reed of the United States celebrates with the trophy during the green jacket ceremony after winning the 2018 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Reed said the decision was made after “careful thought and consideration” and that he would be eligible to play on the Tour later this year.
“I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life that we have created. I am moving forward in my career and look forward to competing on the PGA TOUR and the DP World Tour. I can’t wait to go back and revisit some of the best places on the planet,” Reed said.
“Over the past four years, I have learned a lot about myself, who I am and who I am not, and for that I will be forever grateful. To Dustin Johnson, The Aces and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we have shared and created together. To golf fans around the world, I just want to thank you all for your continued support over the years. I just ask that you respect the decision we have made for our family, our children and our future. Thank you for your continued support.”
Reed is the second golfer this month to return to the PGA Tour after heading to LIV Golf. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, who won the 2023 PGA Championship with LIV, will compete in this weekend’s Farmers Insurance Open.
Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed of the United States stand on the ninth tee during the second round of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2018, in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
NCAA CHAMPION LOSES MASTERS ELIGIBILITY AFTER TAKING “RARE OPPORTUNITY” WITH LIV GOLF
LIV announced late last year that it would move from its 54-hole format to 72 holes. The three-round format, along with the guaranteed salary, has been cited as one of the main reasons golfers sign up.
But several LIV stars, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith, remained with the league.
“I had no idea, no idea that this would happen.” DeChambeau spoke about Koepka’s decision. “I have no idea what the sanctions would be. Right now I have a contract. I can’t wait to see what we can do at LIV Golf this year.”
“I made the decision to come here and spend more time at home, and I’m not giving it away. I’ll be on LIV for years,” added Smith, who won the 2022 Open Championship shortly before officially committing to LIV.
In August 2024, Rahm closed its doors buyer’s remorse rumors at PK Press Club Digital, and that still seems to be the case.
“I don’t plan on going anywhere. Very similar answer to what Bryson gave. I wish Brooks the best. As for me, I’m focusing on the league and my team this year, and hopefully we can be champions again,” Rahm said.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said Koepka’s return sparked the Return of Member Program for players who have left the Tour and may decide to follow in his footsteps.
Patrick Reed watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the third round of the Masters golf tournament, Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Augusta, Georgia. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Rolapp said Koepka agreed to some conditions regarding his return to the PGA Tour. This included “a five-year forfeiture of potential capital in the PGA Tour’s player equity program, representing one of the largest financial repercussions in the history of professional sports, with estimates that it could miss out on approximately $50 million to $85 million in potential revenue, depending on its competitive performance and the growth of the Tour,” according to Rolapp.
Koepka will also make a $5 million charitable donation to a yet-to-be-determined organization.
