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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 last 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 with my wife, Justine, began,” the 2018 Masters champion wrote in a lengthy post 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 will be eligible to play on the Tour later this year.
“I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have been presented to me and grateful for the life we have created. I am advancing my career and look forward to competing on the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour. I can’t wait to get back out there and visit some of the best places in the world,” Reed said.
“Over the last four years, I have learned a lot about myself, about 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 shared and created together. To the 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 to return to the PGA Tour this month after heading to LIV Golf. Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, who won the 2023 PGA Championship while with LIV, will play in this weekend’s Farmers Insurance Open.
Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed of the United States tee off 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)
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LIV announced late last year that it would expand its format from 54 holes to 72 holes. The three-round format, along with guaranteed payout, was cited as a key reason for golfers to join.
But several LIV stars, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith, stayed with the league side.
“I had no idea, I had no idea that would happen.” DeChambeau said of Koepka’s decision. “I have no idea what the penalties would be. I’m under contract right now. I’m looking forward to seeing 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 going to reveal it. I’ll be at LIV for the next few years,” added Smith, who won the 2022 Open Championship shortly before officially committing to LIV.
In August 2024, Rahm closed rumors about buyer’s remorse to Pak Gazette Digital, and that still appears to be the case.
“I’m not planning on going anywhere. Very similar answer to what Bryson gave. I wish Brooks the best. As far as I’m concerned, this year I’m focused on the league and my team, and hopefully we can repeat as champions again,” Rahm said.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said Koepka’s return sparked the Returning Members 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. It included a “five-year loss of potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, representing one of the largest financial repercussions in the history of professional sports, with estimates that he could lose approximately $50 million to $85 million in potential earnings, depending on his competitive performance and the growth of the Tour,” according to Rolapp.
Koepka will also make a $5 million charitable donation to an organization yet to be determined.
