The second major golfer has left LIV Golf. A few weeks after Brooks Koepka’s departure, Patrick Reed is following suit. The former Masters champion signaled on social media that his time on the controversial tour is over. He will, however, be suspended for most of 2026 as a result.
Patrick Reed follows Brooks Koepka back home
Brooks Koepka was the first LIV Golf member to return to the PGA Tour. He did so by way of a special returning program that was opened. The Tour allowed him, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith to return this way without suspension.
Reed, because he did not meet the criteria that those four did, was not eligible for this program. He still wanted to come back, though. This is noteworthy because Reed was a big LIV personality for years. It felt like the tour accentuated his personality and that he enjoyed living it up there.
“I loved my time on LIV,” Reed told ESPN. “I became a different person because of the friendships with players I’ve made. Family is my priority and playing closer to them is what really matters. I can’t get days back.”
Reed will not be eligible to compete until August 25. That’s roughly one year since his last LIV outing. He could compete in FedEx Cup fall events, but he will have to get in via open qualifiers and sponsor exemptions.
As part of the golfer’s agreement to return to the PGA Tour, he will forfeit player equity through 2030. He will be eligible to be a captain’s pick for the 2026 US Presidents Cup team should the captain view him as a worthy addition.
Golf star provides own statement on return
Patrick Reed is the second major domino to fall in what seems to be a slow collapse for LIV Golf. After the reports of a merger years ago, LIV appeared poised to stick around. Now, they’re seemingly losing steam.
He said in his own statement on social media, “After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour…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.”
Reed said he’s a “traditionalist at heart,” adding that he was born to be a PGA Tour player. “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,” he added.
The golfer specifically said he’s excited to revisit some of the “best places” to play golf that he was not competing at on LIV Golf. He thanked LIV Golf for helping him learn who he is and who he isn’t over the past four years as well.
“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 just ask that you respect the decision we have made for our family, our children, and our future. Thank you for your continued support,” he concluded.
Koepka was the bigger get for the PGA Tour, but it should not go unnoticed that Reed, who for a while was the epitome of LIV, is taking a major suspension and huge penalties to come back and play on the PGA Tour. That’s a significant choice and sacrifice for him.
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