Patrick Reed Exits LIV Golf as Second Major Champion to Seek PGA Tour Return

2026-01-29 general

San Diego, Wednesday, 28 January 2026.
Reed becomes the second major champion to depart the Saudi-backed league, signaling a significant roster shift as he targets a PGA Tour return by August 2026.

A Strategic Pivot to the DP World Tour

Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, officially confirmed his departure from LIV Golf on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 [1][2]. This decision marks him as the second major champion to exit the Saudi-funded league, following Brooks Koepka, who returned to the PGA Tour earlier in January [1][6]. Reed intends to spend the remainder of the current season competing on the DP World Tour, having just secured a victory at the Dubai Desert Classic on January 25, 2026 [2][3]. While he has resigned from LIV Golf, his return to the US-based circuit is not immediate; he must navigate a specific eligibility timeline based on disciplinary regulations [1].

The Mechanics of Reinstatement

Unlike Koepka, who was reinstated through a “Returning Member Program” designated for players who have won a major championship or The Players Championship since 2022, Reed did not qualify for this expedited pathway [1]. Consequently, Reed is subject to a mandatory one-year waiting period calculated from his final appearance with the breakaway league [1]. His last event was LIV Michigan, which concluded on August 24, 2025 [3]. Therefore, the PGA Tour has deemed him eligible to compete in tour-sanctioned events as a non-member beginning August 25, 2026 [3][4]. He has requested reinstatement as a full member under the past champion category for the 2027 season [2][3].

Financial Implications and Market Context

Reed’s reintegration into the PGA Tour ecosystem comes with significant financial concessions. As part of his return agreement, he will forfeit player equity in PGA Tour Enterprises through 2030 [4]. Despite these penalties, the 35-year-old described himself as a “traditionalist at heart,” citing a desire to play on the tour where his career began [2][5]. His recent performance in Dubai has already propelled him to No. 29 in the Official World Golf Ranking, positioning him effectively for the major championships later this year [1][3].

Sources

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