Augusta National welcomes back a familiar champion this week as Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters winner, embarks on a new career chapter after his controversial departure from LIV Golf. The 35-year-old Texan has opened up about his sudden decision to abandon the Saudi-backed series and return to the PGA Tour, despite being ineligible for PGA events until August.
Reed's Reversal: From LIV Defector to PGA Return
Patrick Reed was among the initial group of players who defected from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf in 2022. In a significant reversal, he confirmed in January 2026 that he would part ways with LIV and seek a future return to the PGA Tour. This move comes as he prepares to compete at the Masters, where he aims for a second green jacket.
Family and Competitive Drive Behind the Decision
Speaking to Sports Illustrated ahead of the 2026 Masters, Reed explained his thought process. "We had an offer, but at the end of the day, it was kind of one of those things that when I sat down and talked with my wife [Justine] and my team, I just felt like the best decision for us was to come back and join the PGA Tour, so I could be closer to home and with the family," he said.
Reed emphasized that there were no conflicts with LIV Golf, stating, "There’s nothing that I felt like was going on between LIV and us or anything like that. As I said, we had a contract, had a deal, but at the end of the day, I felt like the best thing for us was to come to the PGA Tour again."
Rapid Success on the DP World Tour
While barred from PGA Tour events until summer, Reed has been regaining his status on the DP World Tour with impressive results. Since announcing his LIV exit, he has secured two wins on the European circuit:
- Victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic by four strokes in January.
- A play-off loss at the Bahrain Championship.
- Winning the Qatar Masters title, all within a fortnight.
Reflecting on this swift success, Reed noted, "It definitely happened quickly, but it was one of those that, when I was over there in Dubai and playing, 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 get back to the traditional way of golf and playing."
Craving the Adrenaline of Competitive Golf
Reed described missing the intense battles and adrenaline of traditional golf. "When I stood there in Dubai, that Saturday, the entire range was full, and then guys just started 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 five-under through eight," he recalled.
He added, "All those just 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. For me, I wanted that back, I wanted that adrenaline back, and those feelings, especially with the way I played those last three weeks."
Timing Influenced by Brooks Koepka's Move
Reed's decision followed Brooks Koepka's announcement in December 2025 of his own return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf. Koepka, a five-time major champion, was granted special dispensation for his comeback. Reed described this as "the perfect time" to leave LIV, as he did not have a contract with the organisation at that moment.
Masters Prospects and Historical Performance
Despite his temporary exclusion from PGA Tour play, Reed remains a strong contender at the Masters. He has recorded five top-10 finishes in his last eight appearances at Augusta National, showcasing his consistent performance on this prestigious course. As he returns this week, the golf world watches closely to see if he can capture a second Masters title and solidify his comeback narrative.
