Masters 2026: Patrick Reed explained why he left LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Patrick Reed arrives at Augusta National as one of the game's hottest players, having won twice on the DP World Tour while adding a T-2 finish. Few venues suit his game better; since claiming the green jacket in 2018, he has finished T-12 or better five times, including a third-place showing last spring.

Reed should very much factor into this week's proceedings. But it is his future—and his recent past—that commanded the conversation Monday. Two months ago, Reed left LIV Golf with a singular goal: return to the PGA Tour.

He secured that return through his hot streak on the DP World Tour, securing one of the 10 cards the European league hands out to its top finishers in the Race to Dubai standings. Yet unlike fellow defector Brooks Koepka, whose departure from LIV had been rumored for some time, Reed's decision came without warning. Speaking from the Augusta National press building Monday, he explained what went into it, and when.

“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. “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.