Patrick Reed has officially departed LIV Golf, marking a significant shift as he seeks to return to the PGA Tour. Reed, a nine-time PGA Tour champion, announced his preference for the traditional golf circuit in a recent social media statement, citing his identity as a “traditionalist at heart.” This move follows Brooks Koepka’s earlier desire to return to the PGA. Reed was reportedly paid $50 million to join LIV in 2022.
Impact of Reed’s Departure from LIV Golf
During his four-year tenure with LIV, Reed played for the 4 Aces team, which secured seven titles, while he personally won one event. His exit from LIV Golf will delay his participation in PGA Tour events. Unlike Koepka, who is set to play at the Farmers Insurance Open, Reed will have to wait until late August to compete.
Current Endeavors and Future Prospects
- Reed will compete on the DP World Tour until he can return to the PGA.
- He recently won the Dubai Desert Classic by four shots, boosting his confidence.
- To regain full membership on the PGA Tour, he must finish in the top 10 on the DP World Tour.
Reed’s return to the PGA remains contingent on his performance; however, he may miss out on the Player Equity Program payouts until 2030. Despite not being the most popular figure, his presence strengthens the PGA Tour’s line-up.
Other Players Seeking to Rejoin PGA Tour
Reed is not alone in his desire to return. Other former LIV players, including Kevin Na, Hudson Swafford, and Pat Perez, are reportedly looking for reinstatement. However, they would not be eligible to return until January 2027 at the earliest.
LIV Golf’s Future and Challenges
LIV Golf faces challenges with several key players departing the league. The organization is now left with notable names like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. This year, welcoming new players such as Ben An and Thomas Detry aims to revitalize interest, though their appeal remains uncertain.
CEO Scott O’Neil is making efforts to secure world ranking points for LIV events, an important strategy to help players qualify for major tournaments. This year, LIV will also increase event lengths from 54 to 72 holes to enhance competitiveness.
Television and Accessibility
Despite signing a television deal with Fox, LIV Golf has not achieved significant viewership. Events are scattered across different channels and aired at off-peak times. As of now, there are no Canadian television contracts or plans for events in Canada.
LIV Golf is set to commence its fifth season in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with matches played under floodlights. With the exit of key players and a challenging landscape, the sustainability of LIV remains a pertinent question.
