While Patrick Reed doesn’t have a clear route back to the PGA Tour, that hasn’t stopped the 2018 Masters champion from becoming one of the most talked about free agents in golf.
The recently introduced Returning Member Program wouldn’t have given Reed a path back to the PGA Tour, but he has been showing signs lately that he’s considering a move away from LIV Golf.
Reed praised the PGA Tour as the best stage in golf and mentioned after his win at the Dubai Desert Classic that he hasn’t signed a contract with LIV Golf for the 2026 season.
“The thing is, when I was playing over on LIV Golf, everyone seemed like they were already happy,” said Hatton. “They had kind of seen what I did when I first came out. So it was more so just taking care of my body and getting healthy, being able to get out there and play.”
Only time will tell whether Hatton chooses to follow this route again or wait for a different opportunity to make an official return.
What comes next for Patrick Reed after his PGA Tour remarks?
It would be an awkward situation for LIV if they had to find a replacement just two weeks into the season, especially after opening in Riyadh.
Speaking on Dan on Golf, Dan Rapaport weighed in on Reed’s situation and suggested that LIV could have a problem if the PGA Tour does decide to reach out with an offer.
“He’s either an incredible negotiator or he wants to come back really bad. It’s one of those two things,” Rapaport said.
“It’s a win-win. He either gets to come back or he gets a bag of cash. I heard he wasn’t at the LIV media day because he hasn’t signed that contract. That was percolating around the grounds early in the week.
“My read on the situation, take it for what it is, is that if they gave him a chance to come back, he would come back.”
There are many people who want nothing to do with Patrick Reed and do not want him returning to the Tour. But as controversial as he may be, Rapaport sees Reed as someone who brings something different to golf and creates headlines everywhere he goes.
“I really want him back. I actually really like Patrick, and I know that’s crazy to say in the world of golf right now, but I have my own opinions. But I know a lot of people don’t, and he’s a very rich character. When Reed is on a leaderboard, it’s like there’s a dynamic in here.”
“I think one of the things LIV did, especially in that initial wave – they took away some real characters from us: Bubba Watson; Phil Mickelson; Patrick Reed; Ian Poulter; Bryson DeChambeau – whether you love them or you hate them… they’re box office,” Rapaport added.
Is Patrick Reed going to stay with LIV?
Any move from LIV back to the PGA Tour is bound to draw plenty of attention. So far, most of the traffic has been one-way, with Brooks Koepka being the first big name to head in the opposite direction.
But Reed is someone who attracts attention. The Sports Business Journal noted that Rory McIlroy’s victory last year was the most watched final round of The Masters since Reed’s win at Augusta National in 2018.
The PGA Tour still attracts more casual fans overall. The vast majority of people know who Reed is. They also know about his baggage – which can work in his favour at times as well as against him.
While Rapaport heard that Reed was not at media day, it should be noted that LIV have posted an article which includes an image of the new 4Aces team together.
That would certainly suggest that Reed is expecting to be in the field for Riyadh. But it will be interesting to see whether he bets on himself and opts to only sign a one-year contract with LIV.
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