Patrick Reed Announces LIV Golf Exit, Sets PGA Tour Return for 2027
NEW YORK, January 28, 2026 – Major champion Patrick Reed is charting a new course for his professional career. The 2018 Masters winner announced he will not re-sign with LIV Golf after the 2025 season, clearing a path for his return to the PGA Tour. The news comes just days after Reed claimed a dominant victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, a win that bolsters his standing as he transitions tours.
Tour Transition Timeline
Reed’s departure from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit is part of a structured return to the PGA Tour. According to tour regulations, a player is eligible for reinstatement one year after their final LIV event. Reed’s last scheduled appearance is on August 24, 2025, making him eligible to compete on the PGA Tour starting August 25, 2026. He has requested that his tour membership be reinstated for the 2027 season under a past champion status, which he earned with nine PGA Tour victories, including his major at Augusta National.
Key Facts & Career Milestones
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Recent Victory | Won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on January 25, 2026, earning a $1.5 million prize. |
| Major Championship | 2018 Masters Tournament Champion. |
| Career High Ranking | Reached World No. 6 in June 2020. |
| PGA Tour Wins | Nine victories, including the 2021 Farmers Insurance Open. |
| Legal Matter | Lost an appeal in 2025 to revive a dismissed $750 million defamation lawsuit against Golf Channel and commentator Brandel Chamblee. |
| Immediate Plans | Will compete on the DP World Tour during the 2026 season while serving the remainder of his PGA Tour suspension. |
Path Back to American Golf
Reed’s return is part of a growing trend of players leaving LIV Golf to rejoin the traditional tours. The PGA Tour has stated that Reed will face no additional discipline beyond the one-year suspension from his last LIV event. His victory in Dubai, where he shot a final-round 69 to win by four strokes, demonstrates he remains a competitive force. The win also provides critical world ranking points, easing his potential path into future major championships.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can Patrick Reed play on the PGA Tour again?
Reed is eligible to compete on the PGA Tour starting August 25, 2026. He plans to use a past champion membership to play a full schedule in the 2027 season.
What is Reed’s status for the 2026 majors?
His recent win in Dubai awards him valuable Official World Golf Ranking points, improving his chances to qualify for the 2026 majors. As a past Masters champion, he holds a lifetime invitation to play at Augusta National each year.
What happened to his $750 million lawsuit?
In 2025, a federal appeals court affirmed the dismissal of Patrick Reed’s $750 million defamation lawsuit. The court ruled Reed failed to demonstrate “actual malice” in the reporting by Golf Channel and commentator Brandel Chamblee that he had sued over.