Patrick Reed arrives in Augusta this week possessing a fresh perspective on life and a different golf circuit on his horizon. The ex-LIV Golf competitor and winner of the 2018 Masters is currently showcasing some of his finest play and is getting ready to transition back to the PGA Tour.
“Considering the situation, the sport’s top athletes and most robust lineups across the board are found on the PGA Tour,” Reed remarked on Monday afternoon at Augusta National. “I have now competed on every circuit; I’ve participated in each one.”
Reed joined LIV Golf early on, serving as a member of Dustin Johnson’s victorious 4Aces squad. During 2025, Reed secured his initial solo LIV championship in Dallas. Nevertheless, at that season’s conclusion, his agreement with LIV expired, opening up possibilities for him beyond merely the Saudi-supported golf league.
Following Brooks Koepka’s revelation of his exit from LIV Golf just prior to the Christmas holiday, thoughts began to form in Reed’s mind. By the time of the Dubai Desert Classic in January, these contemplations had guided him toward a specific course of action.
“While I was competing in Dubai,” he stated, “I began to reflect and recognized that I desired… a chance to return to the PGA Tour, to engage with the sport in its customary format.”
Reed secured victory in that event by a margin of four shots, propelling him back into the global top 30, but a particular instant prior to his last round remained memorable.
“Standing in Dubai that Saturday, the practice area was packed, and then players gradually vanished, leaving you as the final one on the teeing ground,” he recounted. “Then, as you approach the tee, your name is the last one called, and you’ve already ceded your advantage because another player is five strokes under par after eight holes. Those intense feelings and situations, returning to golf played in that manner, where you’re competing not only against yourself but also against others at the top of the standings – that’s what I desired again, that surge of excitement.”
Naturally, LIV Golf’s format precludes such an occurrence, as all participants commence their rounds simultaneously from various points on the course. In LIV, there’s no pursuing competitors who began earlier; instead, it’s a concurrent dash to the conclusion.
Consequently, Reed embarked on what promises to be an extended journey to rejoin the PGA Tour. He is required to observe a one-year hiatus following his final “non-sanctioned” (i.e., LIV) tournament appearance, which occurred in August 2025. In the interim, he plans to participate in the DP World Tour, progressively accumulating ranking points and establishing a standing that would have been harder to attain within the LIV circuit.
Reed appears comfortable with his choice, notwithstanding the considerable dedication of time it demands. “Frankly, it was a determination I believed was optimal, not solely for my golfing profession, but equally for my family, allowing me more moments with them,” he expressed. “I have genuinely cherished every moment of being at home and devoting time to my children and spouse.”
Reed has competed in 27 distinct nations, according to one tally, since 2022, representing an immense investment of time and effort. It is evident he seeks to allocate more time nearer to his residence, and given LIV’s ongoing expansion of its global presence, the two entities no longer aligned perfectly.
“Ultimately, I truly appreciated all my experiences while with LIV. It was a great time. The other players are enjoyable companions and competitors,” he commented, further stating that “personally, I believed [the PGA Tour] offered the most suitable environment for me.”
Reed is set to commence his 2026 Masters performance on Thursday, where he is anticipated to be among the unexpected contenders for victory. He has achieved four finishes within the top 10 across the past six Masters competitions, including a tie for third place in the previous year’s event.
