Patrick Reed returns to the PGA Tour in summer 2026, announcing his departure from LIV Golf. Other players also follow suit.
Patrick Reed Returns to the PGA Tour
Nine-time PGA Tour winner Patrick Reed is returning from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour. After giving up his membership in 2022 and playing on the LIV Golf Tour, he has now offered his return to the PGA Tour.
“After careful consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer play on the LIV Golf Tour. I am excited to announce that I will return to the PGA Tour as a Past Champion for the 2027 season.” He looks back positively on his time at LIV and emphasizes the importance of family in his decision to return: “I enjoyed my time at LIV Golf. I have become a different person through the friendships I’ve made with the players. Family is my priority, and playing closer to them is what truly matters to me. I can’t get days back.”
His victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour also strengthened his decision. He realized how much he missed competing with others.
Circumstances of the Return
From summer, he is eligible to start as a non-member. The PGA Tour explains the early return by noting that Reed gave up his membership in 2022 before any rules violation occurred by participating in other tours. Reed will participate in PGA Tour events again beginning August 25, 2026, under the Past Champion category. He may also gain an improved PGA Tour status through the DP World Tour, where he remains an Honorary Lifetime Member. Participation in the FedEx Cup events in the fall will require him to qualify or enter via sponsor exemptions.
Like the Returning Member Program, which Brooks Koepka also uses to return, Reed, as a former Tour member returning to the PGA Tour, is excluded from the Player Equity Program until 2030.
LIV Golf confirmed Reed’s departure with a statement, saying no contract renewal had been reached, but they appreciated his commitment to the 4Aces Golf Club. They also emphasized their stance of supporting players to compete “where and when they want” and respect Reed’s decision.
Other Former LIV Players Returning
Reed’s return is not an isolated case. Other former LIV players, including Kevin Na, Pat Perez, and Hudson Swafford, have also regained their PGA Tour memberships but still face unresolved disciplinary matters.
While Perez and Swafford are permitted to compete starting January 1, 2027, the exact return date for Kevin Na is still under review by the Tour.
— Patrick Reed (@PReedGolf) September 22, 2024