Imagine a golf world where one of its most intriguing personalities is left without a team—this is the current reality for Patrick Reed. After securing a decisive victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, winning by four strokes and marking his first triumph in the prestigious Rolex Series, one can't help but wonder: does anyone truly want him?
Despite his impressive performance, Reed finds himself in a precarious position as he has yet to finalize a contract with LIV Golf for the upcoming season. Compounding this uncertainty is a year-long suspension that he must serve on the PGA Tour due to his decision to join the rival league. Consequently, this raises the possibility that he might need to focus on competing in the European tour this year instead.
Reed’s circumstances can only be described as peculiar, especially in today’s fluctuating landscape of professional men’s golf. Following his win at the Emirates course, he ascended to the 26th position in the world rankings, overtaking fellow golfer Bryson DeChambeau and becoming the top-ranked player in the LIV Golf League. However, despite this achievement, the 2018 Masters champion remains in limbo regarding his future.
With the LIV season set to commence in Riyadh less than two weeks away, uncertainty looms large. "As it stands right now, I am a free agent," Reed stated after posting a score of 72 for a total of 14 under par. He added, "We are still finalizing a new contract, but we’re not complete on that yet." Though he plans to participate in the upcoming event in Riyadh, he admits that if he ends up not playing for LIV this year, he would need to increase his presence on the PGA Tour to secure a spot within the top 10 and regain entry to the PGA.
It would be prudent for LIV to act swiftly and secure Reed's signature. The Saudi-backed league has already seen a key player, Brooks Koepka, return to the PGA Tour after leaving LIV, and it would not want to lose another strong competitor like Reed. At 35 years old, Reed and his team now have considerably more leverage in negotiations than they did previously. In discussions leading up to the Desert Classic, Reed hinted that he might consider a return to the PGA Tour, particularly if offered terms comparable to those given to Koepka. The PGA Tour now realizes that he could be open to returning.
The PGA Tour’s leadership should be proactive in easing any obstacles preventing Reed from rejoining, as his departure alongside Koepka would be a significant and embarrassing setback for LIV just before the season opener. Although Reed doesn’t qualify for the Tour's “returning players program” because he hasn’t won a major since 2022—unlike Koepka—this shouldn't diminish his value. As LIV's highest-ranked player, Reed demonstrated his elite skills by dominating a field that included top golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, who finished well behind him.
However, Dame Laura Davies expressed skepticism about the PGA Tour’s eagerness to bring Reed back, stating, "Because his personality is not exciting, is it?" Yet, in reality, Reed embodies everything the Tour could use at this moment. Since the loss of both DeChambeau and Reed, the PGA Tour is lacking a compelling figure. Brian Rolapp, the new CEO, must recognize that adding a vibrant character like Reed could enhance the Tour's appeal. He should reach out to Reed without delay.
Nevertheless, if the PGA Tour fails to meet Reed's demands, the DP World Tour would undoubtedly welcome him with open arms. Reed has shown loyalty to the European circuit since earning his card in 2013, participating in 10 DP World Tour events last year, excluding majors, which illustrates his commitment to being a global competitor.
Reed is a polarizing figure—his reputation for bending the rules won’t easily fade—but his dedication to the sport is undeniable. His short game is among the finest, and while Dame Laura may overlook his fiery persona, she acknowledges his talent. "He’s not one of those players that gets you running down a fairway to see what shot he’s going to hit next," she said. "But what he is, is one of the very best players in the world, and he’s so calm, and that’s a superpower."
Indeed, one of the two leagues—be it LIV or the PGA Tour—should seize the opportunity to engage with Reed while the situation is ripe. After all, his potential to shine in the coming season is undeniable.
