Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, has taken his first step towards a PGA Tour comeback by returning to DP World Tour action just a day after announcing his departure from LIV Golf. The American golfer carded a one-under 71 at the Bahrain Championship at Royal GC, leaving him six shots off the lead.
Reed's decision to leave LIV Golf comes as fellow American Brooks Koepka has been granted a pathway back through the PGA Tour's Returning Player Program. Reed had previously joined LIV in 2022 but recently signaled his interest in rejoining the PGA Tour after Koepka's successful return.
The PGA Tour has confirmed that Reed is seeking reinstatement of his membership for the 2027 season, playing out of the past champion category. This would enable him to compete on the PGA Tour as a non-member beginning from August 25, 2026, and potentially secure a full card if he finishes in the top 10 of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai.
Reed's departure from LIV Golf is seen as another significant blow to the Saudi-funded tour. The golfer has been vocal about his frustrations with the limited schedule available to him on LIV, and his return to the PGA Tour is a major coup for the DP World Tour.
The news also provides a boost to the PGA Tour, which had been struggling to attract top talent in recent times. Reed's decision to return to the tour is seen as a sign that the experiment at LIV Golf is beginning to unravel.
Reed has stated that he feels "born to play on the PGA Tour," calling it the place where his professional story began alongside his wife, Justine. The 35-year-old golfer is expected to feature in all four majors this year and has already made a strong start to his return with a solid performance at the Bahrain Championship.
Reed's decision to leave LIV Golf comes as fellow American Brooks Koepka has been granted a pathway back through the PGA Tour's Returning Player Program. Reed had previously joined LIV in 2022 but recently signaled his interest in rejoining the PGA Tour after Koepka's successful return.
The PGA Tour has confirmed that Reed is seeking reinstatement of his membership for the 2027 season, playing out of the past champion category. This would enable him to compete on the PGA Tour as a non-member beginning from August 25, 2026, and potentially secure a full card if he finishes in the top 10 of the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai.
Reed's departure from LIV Golf is seen as another significant blow to the Saudi-funded tour. The golfer has been vocal about his frustrations with the limited schedule available to him on LIV, and his return to the PGA Tour is a major coup for the DP World Tour.
The news also provides a boost to the PGA Tour, which had been struggling to attract top talent in recent times. Reed's decision to return to the tour is seen as a sign that the experiment at LIV Golf is beginning to unravel.
Reed has stated that he feels "born to play on the PGA Tour," calling it the place where his professional story began alongside his wife, Justine. The 35-year-old golfer is expected to feature in all four majors this year and has already made a strong start to his return with a solid performance at the Bahrain Championship.