Patrick Reed Plots PGA Tour Return After LIV Golf Exit

Patrick Reed, a name that’s never far from the headlines in the world of golf, has once again set the sport abuzz with his latest career move. On January 28, 2026, Reed officially announced that he will not re-sign with LIV Golf after the 2025 season, confirming widespread speculation about his future. Instead, the nine-time PGA Tour winner and 2018 Masters champion is plotting a return to the PGA Tour as a past champion member in 2027, with eligibility to compete in select events starting August 25, 2026. Reed’s decision signals a significant shift in the ongoing saga between rival golf tours and has implications that reach far beyond his own career.

Reed’s announcement came just days after his victory at the DP World Tour’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic on January 25, 2026—a win that propelled him to second place in the Race to Dubai rankings and reaffirmed his competitive edge. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Reed shared, “After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour. I am excited to announce that I am returning to the PGA Tour as a past champion member for the 2027 season and am eligible to begin competing in PGA Tour events later this year.”

He continued, “I will continue to compete and play as an Honorary Lifetime Member on the DP World Tour, which is something that I am truly honored and excited to do. I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour, which is where my story began with my wife, Justine. I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life we have created. I am moving forward in my career, and I look forward to competing on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. I can’t wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best places on earth.”

Reed’s time with LIV Golf, which he joined during its inaugural season in June 2022 as a member of Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC, was marked by both success and controversy. He captured one victory with the Saudi-backed league—at LIV Dallas—and finished seventh or better in points three times over four seasons. Yet, unlike some of his peers, Reed maintained a busy schedule on other tours, teeing it up 28 times in world-ranked events over the past two years. His recent win in Dubai, as well as a third-place finish at last year’s Masters and T-3 at the BMW PGA, have kept him relevant on the global stage and currently place him at No. 29 in the Official World Golf Ranking. That ranking all but guarantees him a spot in all four majors for 2026.

His last appearance on the LIV Golf circuit came at LIV Michigan, which ended August 24, 2025. Despite initial expectations that he would compete in LIV’s 2026 opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Reed’s sudden departure leaves his former team, 4Aces GC, scrambling to find a replacement before the season kicks off on February 4, 2026. In a statement, LIV Golf expressed gratitude for Reed’s contributions: “We were not able to come to terms with Patrick on a potential contract extension. We’re grateful for everything he contributed during his time on the 4Aces at LIV Golf and wish him the best. LIV has always been an advocate for player movement and recognizes that when golf settles into a new normal, players will not only have the right, but the opportunity to play golf when and where they want.”

The PGA Tour, for its part, welcomed Reed’s interest in returning. According to a statement from the Tour, “Patrick Reed has informed the PGA Tour of his desire to return. A nine-time PGA Tour winner, he is seeking reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership for the 2027 season. As a result of resigning his membership in 2022 prior to violating any PGA Tour Regulations, Patrick is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour as a non-member beginning Aug. 25, 2026. He may also pursue improved PGA Tour status via the DP World Tour.” The statement clarified that, like other returning members, Reed will not be eligible for the Player Equity Program until 2031.

So, what’s next for Reed as he eyes a full-time return to the PGA Tour? For the remainder of 2026, he’ll focus on a heavy DP World Tour schedule, aiming for a top-10 finish in the Race to Dubai. Achieving that would secure his PGA Tour card for 2027 with full status, rather than just as a past champion. Alternatively, a win in a fall event could also elevate his status. Reed will also be eligible as a captain’s pick for the Presidents Cup team in September 2027, adding another layer of intrigue to his comeback trail.

Reed’s journey back to the PGA Tour comes at a time when the landscape of professional golf is rapidly evolving. The Tour’s Returning Member Program has already seen Brooks Koepka reinstated, and Reed now follows in those footsteps. Other former LIV players, including Pat Perez, Kevin Na, and Hudson Swafford, have also applied for reinstatement; Perez and Swafford are eligible to return on January 1, 2027, while Na’s return date remains under review. The PGA Tour emphasized in a memo to players that reinstatement terms are consistent and not negotiated individually, underscoring its commitment to fairness and competitive integrity.

Reed’s career has never been short on drama, both on and off the course. He’s faced criticism for alleged rules infractions—most notably during his last PGA Tour win at the 2021 Farmers Insurance Open, where a free relief ruling sparked controversy. Reed has consistently denied any wrongdoing and even pursued legal action against media outlets, though those lawsuits were ultimately dismissed. Through it all, Reed has remained unapologetically himself, saying, “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 am forever grateful.”

As the dust settles on his split with LIV Golf, all eyes will be on Reed as he embarks on this new chapter. Will he reclaim his place among the PGA Tour’s elite? Can he add to his nine Tour victories—or even capture another major? Golf fans around the globe, whom Reed thanked for their “continued support over the years,” will be watching closely as he tees it up on both sides of the Atlantic.

One thing’s for sure: Patrick Reed’s return to the PGA Tour is set to be one of the most closely followed stories of the 2026 and 2027 golf seasons. With his proven track record, competitive fire, and knack for the spotlight, Reed’s next act promises plenty of drama, excitement, and, perhaps, redemption on golf’s grandest stages.