Patrick Reed Returns to PGA Tour, Cites 'Traditional Way of Golf'

The former Masters champion is leaving LIV Golf to rejoin the PGA Tour, citing the adrenaline and competition of traditional tournament play.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:07am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a professional golfer's swing broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of green, blue, and orange, conveying the dynamic energy of competitive golf.Patrick Reed's return to the PGA Tour promises a renewed competitive energy and traditional tournament format.Augusta Today

Patrick Reed, a former Masters champion who spent over three years playing on the LIV Golf tour, has announced that he will be returning to the PGA Tour. Reed cited the 'traditional way of golf' and the adrenaline of competing against other players on the leaderboard as key factors in his decision. Despite having a contract offer to stay with LIV Golf, Reed said he wanted to get back to the PGA Tour and the more familiar tournament format.

Why it matters

Reed's return to the PGA Tour is significant as it represents another high-profile player leaving the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league. The PGA Tour has been working to lure back players who defected, and Reed's decision could signal a shift in momentum. Additionally, Reed is a former major champion, and his presence on the PGA Tour adds star power and competitiveness to the tour's events.

The details

Reed held a four-stroke lead entering the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour, but had to hold off a charge from fellow LIV player David Puig to claim the victory. It was Reed's first stroke play win since 2024. After the tournament, Reed announced that he would be returning to the PGA Tour, despite having a contract offer to remain with LIV Golf. Reed cited the 'traditional way of golf' and the adrenaline of competing against other players on the leaderboard as key factors in his decision.

  • Reed won the Dubai Desert Classic on April 2, 2026.
  • Three days later, on April 5, 2026, Reed announced he would be returning to the PGA Tour.

The players

Patrick Reed

A 35-year-old professional golfer who won the Masters Tournament in 2018. He spent over three years playing on the LIV Golf tour before deciding to return to the PGA Tour.

David Puig

A fellow LIV Golf player who was paired with Reed in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic, where he made an early birdie charge before Reed held on to win.

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What they’re saying

“I definitely happened quickly. I really just kind of was sitting back and realizing that I wanted to get back and not only join — have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour, but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing.”

— Patrick Reed

“When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday the entire range is full, and then guys just start disappearing, and you're the last man on that tee box. Then you're walking to the tee, you're the last name announced, and you've lost the lead because someone is 5-under through 8 (holes). All those rushes and those scenarios — kind of going back into playing golf that way, where you're going out there and you're having the battles between not just yourself, but the other guys on the leaderboard.”

— Patrick Reed

“For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings.”

— Patrick Reed

What’s next

Reed will compete full-time on the DP World Tour this season, as he is ineligible to compete on the PGA Tour until August 25. This will allow him to maintain a cushion towards regaining full PGA Tour membership for next season.

The takeaway

Patrick Reed's decision to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour highlights the continued appeal of traditional tournament golf and the competitive environment of the PGA Tour. His move could signal a shift in momentum away from the Saudi-backed LIV league as the PGA Tour works to lure back top players.