Patrick Reed is open to the idea of leaving LIV Golf and making a return to the PGA Tour, especially if he receives a comeback offer similar to that extended to fellow golfer Brooks Koepka. This surprising declaration came during the Dubai Desert Classic, where Reed is currently competing on the DP World Tour. Known for his notoriety as one of golf's most famous—and contentious—figures, his statements could cause concern for LIV Golf while simultaneously sparking interest from the PGA Tour, particularly since Reed referred to the PGA Tour as "the best tour in the world."
It will be intriguing to observe whether the PGA Tour chooses to respond by adjusting the criteria of its newly established "Returning Members Programme" to create a pathway for Reed’s swift reinstatement. The committee responsible for Koepka's return, which includes renowned golfer Tiger Woods, specified that any former member who has claimed a major title since 2022 and has participated in LIV for a minimum of two seasons would qualify to rejoin. Reed’s 2018 Masters victory places him in a unique position, similar to other notable players like Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, both of whom have also been excluded from this program.
Currently, the only other golfers eligible under these terms are Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith, and Bryson DeChambeau; however, all three have quickly expressed their intention to stay with the Saudi-funded LIV circuit. Reed, however, has not rushed into a decision.
In an interview with Telegraph Sport, Reed articulated, "It’s not really a decision for me at the moment. That was for players who won majors from 2022 and on. But I definitely would have to think about it, if that number was taken down to 2018." When asked about his desire to compete again on the PGA Tour, he enthusiastically responded, "Of course. If it’s up to me, I’d play everywhere. I’m already participating in three tours—LIV, the DP World Tour, and the Asian Tour—so why not add another?"
Reed went on to reflect positively on his past experiences on the PGA Tour, stating, "Let’s be honest, it’s the best tour in the world. Look at what they’ve accomplished in golf. I could see myself playing there again at some point. You just never know. Everything’s so fluid, everything’s discombobulated in golf. But ultimately, whenever my name is called, I’m going to show up, give it my all, and represent myself, my family, and my team."
At 35 years old, Reed is a key member of the LIV team known as the 4Aces, and his captain Johnson is also competing at the Emirates, making it all the more interesting to see how Johnson will react to Reed’s comments. Johnson, like Reed, is a Masters champion and has recently signed a multi-year contract extension with LIV.
It remains uncertain if Reed, similar to DeChambeau, is in the final year of his LIV contract or if he is simply trying to gain leverage for a new agreement. Nonetheless, Reed has already secured substantial earnings, having reportedly signed with LIV for an upfront fee of $50 million (£37 million) and accruing nearly $40 million over his four seasons with the league.
The situation is complicated by the fact that Reed does not hold a full-time status on the PGA Tour, which means he would likely need to go through qualifying events or attempt to earn one of the ten US cards available through the DP World Tour. Reed has always played the role of a somewhat controversial figure within the PGA Tour, and many fans and marketers would likely welcome his return.
Despite his divisive reputation, Reed enjoys considerable popularity on the DP World Tour, bolstered by his spirited performances during the Ryder Cup that earned him the nickname "Captain America." He has openly expressed his enthusiasm for participating in the biennial event and would relish the opportunity to don the Stars and Stripes once more. Additionally, his desire to return to the PGA Tour may stem from his affinity for a packed competition schedule; even while banned from the PGA Tour, Reed managed to compete in 32 events in 2025, far exceeding the participation of other LIV players, given that the league comprises only 14 events.
Reed participated in ten DP World Tour tournaments last year, along with the four major championships, achieving an impressive third-place finish at the Masters, which underscored his enduring talent. His recent performance in Dallas, where he claimed victory in a LIV event, coupled with consistent efforts on the European and Asian circuits, propelled his world ranking from outside the top 70 to an impressive 44th place.
He stands among just three LIV players ranked within the top 50, alongside DeChambeau and Tyrrell Hatton, and is keen to maintain his status to secure entry into this year's US Open and Open Championship. With this goal in mind, Reed is set to compete in the Bahrain Championship next week, marking his third consecutive event on the DP World Tour following his 26th finish in the Dubai Invitational and his current competition at the Majlis Course, where he nearly triumphed against Rory McIlroy three years ago.
There is no doubt regarding Reed's dedication to his profession. LIV has incurred approximately $4 million in fines to allow Reed to continue competing in DP World Tour events, and this season, he will personally cover those penalties. Ongoing negotiations between Wentworth and Riyadh aim to find a resolution that would permit LIV players to participate freely on the DP World Tour; if this does not materialize, Reed is prepared to pay the fines to retain his membership, which might cost him around $1 million annually.
"Yes, starting this year, the fines will be the responsibility of the players, not LIV," Reed explained. "I hope there can be a resolution, particularly for someone like me who has consistently supported this tour. I’ve always participated in a range of events, from high-profile tournaments to smaller competitions. My commitment to this tour hasn’t wavered since I first earned my card here.
I still plan to support this tour. This tour is incredible, and I won't let a few fines stand in my way."
What do you think about Reed's potential return to the PGA Tour? Is he genuinely considering it, or is he simply leveraging his position within LIV? Let's discuss your thoughts!
