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Another LIV golfer is heading back to where it all started.
Patrick Reed announced Wednesday that he will return to the PGA Tour after spending the past four years in the Saudi-backed league.
“A traditionalist at heart, I was born to play on the PGA TOUR, where my story began with my wife, Justine,” 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 came after “careful consideration and consideration” and he will be eligible to play on the Tour later this year.
“I’m very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life we’ve created. I’m moving forward in my career and I’m looking forward to competing on the PGA TOUR and the DP World Tour. I can’t wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best places on earth,” said Reed.
“Over the past four years, I’ve learned a lot about myself, about who I am and who I’m not, and for that I’m forever grateful. To Dustin Johnson, The Aces, and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we shared and created together. To golf fans around the world, I just want to thank you all for your continued support over the years. I’m just asking you for what our kids have done for the respect and our family. Your continued support.”
Reed is the second golfer this month to return to the PGA Tour 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 stand 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 from its 54-hole format to 72 holes. The three-round format, along with guaranteed pay, had been cited as a key reason for golfers to participate.
But several LIV stars, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith, stuck with the league side.
“I had no idea, no idea that was going to happen.” DeChambeau said of Koepka’s decision. “No idea what the penalties would even be. Right now I’ve got a contract. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do at LIV Golf this year.”
“I made a decision to come out here and spend more time at home and I’m not giving that away. I want to be at LIV for years to come,” added Smith, who won the 2022 Open Championship shortly before officially committing to LIV.
In August 2024, Rahm shut down rumors of buyer’s remorse to Pakinomist Digital, and that still seems to be the case.
“I’m not going to go anywhere. Very similar answer to what Bryson gave. I wish Brooks the best. As far as I’m concerned, I’m focused on the league and my team this year and hopefully we can repeat as champions again,” Rahm said.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp said Koepka’s return sparked the returning membership program for players who left the Tour and might decide to follow in his footsteps.
Patrick Reed watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the third round at the Masters golf tournament Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Rolapp said Koepka agreed to a few conditions on his back to the PGA Tour. That included a “five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, representing one of the largest financial impacts in professional sports history, with estimates that he could miss out on approximately $50-85 million in potential earnings, depending on his competitive performance and the growth of the Tour,” according to Rolapp.
Koepka will also make a charitable donation of $5 million to an organization yet to be determined.
