Patrick Reed is leaving Saudi-funded LIV Golf, announcing Wednesday he’ll focus on the European tour for the rest of the year with plans to return to the PGA Tour as early as September. This comes just three days after his victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.
Reed’s exit coincides with five-time major champion Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour this week at Torrey Pines. It’s a significant shift in the professional golf landscape.
The PGA Tour recently sent players a memo outlining the path back for golfers like Reed. Since he won the Masters in 2018 and doesn’t qualify for the “Returning Member Program” (which is only available to those who’ve won a major or The Players Championship since 2022), Reed would typically be eligible to return a year after his last LIV Golf appearance – August 24, 2025.
What helps Reed’s case is that he resigned his PGA Tour membership when joining LIV and wasn’t part of the antitrust lawsuit against the Tour. That means he won’t face additional discipline when returning.
LIV’s fifth season begins next week in Saudi Arabia, but Reed is currently playing in Bahrain – his third straight week on the European tour schedule.
When Reed does return to the PGA Tour, he’ll have status as a past champion. He could also earn a full Tour card if he finishes among the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai who aren’t already PGA Tour members.
Reed’s Dubai win boosted him to No. 29 in the world rankings, which has essentially locked up his spots in all four majors this year. That gives him a strong platform as he navigates this career transition.
