Two months ago, Patrick Reed made the surprising decision to leave LIV Golf in hopes of eventually returning to the PGA Tour. While his suspension from the PGA Tour remains in place until the fall, Reed retains his eligibility for the The Masters Tournament thanks to his 2018 victory.
The nine-time PGA Tour winner’s sudden departure from LIV Golf caught many fans off guard. However, his recent revelation behind why he left reflects a growing sentiment among players who have stepped away from LIV Golf. They are often motivated by both professional ambitions and personal priorities.
As Reed prepares to tee off at Augusta National, the 35-year-old professional opened up on why he left LIV when he did, despite the inability to play on the PGA Tour until the 2027 season.
Patrick Reed Opens Up on Decision to Leave LIV
According to Golf Digest, while speaking at the Augusta National press building ahead of the 2026 Masters, Reed opened up about how quickly the decision came together.
“Yeah, it definitely happened quickly,” Reed said. “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.”
Reed went on to describe the competitive atmosphere he felt was missing and what ultimately drew him back.
“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,” Reed said.
“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.”
Reed Shares Personal Decision Ahead of Masters
While the competitive element played a major role, Reed also emphasized the personal factors that influenced his decision. His reasons included the demanding international schedule associated with LIV Golf.
“My daughter is now eleven; little man’s eight. It seems like time has flown. I definitely want to watch them grow up and be home a little bit more, yet still at the same time to play against the best guys,” Reed said.
“To be honest with you, it was one of those decisions that I felt like was the best, not just for the golf game, but also for my family to spend more time with them. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it obviously being at home and spending time with the kiddos and my wife.”
Reed’s perspective echoes that of Brooks Koepka. He also made headlines after leaving LIV Golf and ultimately finding his own path back to the PGA Tour under qualifying circumstances.
Both Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed will hav eyes on them as they prepare to tee off this Thursday during the 2026 Masters Tournament.
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