Former Masters champion Reed leaving LIV Golf, cleared for PGA Tour return

Patrick Reed described himself as a "traditionalist" when announcing the switch
Patrick Reed described himself as a "traditionalist" when announcing the switchFadel SENNA / AFP

Former Masters champion Patrick Reed has decided to leave Saudi-funded LIV Golf ‍and is seeking reinstatement of his PGA Tour membership for the 2027 season, the American said on ​Wednesday.

Reed, 35, is the second high-profile player to quit LIV Golf recently, following a similar move by five-times major winner ‌Brooks Koepka, who was reinstated through a Returning Member Program ‌by the PGA Tour two weeks ago.

A nine-times winner on the PGA Tour whose biggest triumph came at the 2018 Masters, Reed said he will compete on the European DP ⁠World Tour this season before rejoining the PGA Tour as a ‌past champion in 2027. He won the DP World Tour's ​high-profile Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday.

"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," Reed said in a statement.

"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."

As a result of resigning his membership in 2022 prior to violating any PGA Tour regulations, Reed is eligible to compete on the U.S.-based circuit as a non-member beginning on August 25, a year on from his last LIV Golf event.

The PGA Tour sent a memo to players outlining the path ⁠back for players like 35-year-old Reed, who does ‌not meet the criteria for the recently announced Returning Member Program that is open only to golfers who have won a major or The Players Championship since 2022.

That program cleared the way for Koepka to ⁠make his return at this week's Farmers Insurance ​Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.