Patrick Reed return follows Brooks Koepka reinstatement
Reed, 35, revealed that he was still an LIV Golf free agent after winning last Sunday at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
His 2018 Masters championship headlines his nine wins on the PGA Tour. He joined LIV Golf in June 2022, recorded his lone victory last season in a playoff at LIV Dallas in June, and last competed in an event at LIV Michigan in August.
‘I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour.’
American golfer Patrick Reed
“I want to thank everyone involved for helping me make this decision,” Reed wrote. “Over the last four years, I have learned a lot about myself, about who I am and who I am not, and for that I am forever grateful.
“To Dustin Johnson, the Aces and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we shared and created together.
“To golf fans around the world, I just want to thank you all for your continued support over the years. I just ask that you respect the decision we have made for our family, our children, and our future.”
LIV Golf offered the following statement on Reed: “We were not able to come to terms with Patrick on a potential contract extension. We’re grateful for everything he contributed during his time on the 4Aces at LIV Golf and wish him the best.
Patrick Reed won the Masters in 2018.Credit: AP
“LIV has always been an advocate for player movement and recognises that when golf settles into a new normal, players will not only have the right, but the opportunity to play golf when and where they want.
“As we look forward, our focus remains on building teams and a league that fans can believe in and players enjoy – those who compete at the highest level, play the game the right way, and understand the responsibility to grow the game around the world by engaging fans and celebrating partners.
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“We’re building the world’s golf league and every decision we make is guided by what’s best for the long-term future of the game, our players, and fans.”
Not everyone is a fan of the PGA’s stance of allowing LIV golfers to return to action – most notably former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.
“I think it’s pretty amazing that Brooks had the courage to make that decision,” Matsuyama told Today’s Golfer. “But I’m puzzled that the PGA Tour didn’t explain anything to the players. At the very least, I didn’t know that such a rule was in place.”
Koepka and Reed will not be fully vested in all the sport’s financial rewards initially.
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According to the PGA Tour, players coming through the returning member program may not participate in the player equity program through 2030.
Matsuyama, of Japan, still had questions.
“While there has been a financial hit, what about the non-monetary aspects? What happened to the rule that players who participated in LIV were not allowed to compete for a year? That’s what I’m thinking about more.”
Reuters
