LIV Golf releases statement after Patrick Reed quits league for PGA Tour return

LIV Golf have tried to downplay news Patrick Reed is quitting the league so he can return to the PGA Tour later this year. 

Reed, 35, controversially quit the American circuit for the PIF-backed breakaway in 2022. 

He has secured one individual title across four seasons with LIV and was widely expected to tee up this season alongside Dustin Johnson in his 4 Aces quartet. 

But the American has decided his time with LIV is over as he is a "traditionalist at heart". 

The news was surprising given last week he told reporters after cruising to victory at the Dubai Desert Classic that he would be "very surprised" if he wasn't playing LIV's curtain-raiser in Riyadh on 4 February. 

Yet he got tongues wagging when he admitted he would consider returning to the PGA Tour if he was offered the same terms as Brooks Koepka.

Koepka, 36, quit LIV Golf last December and has already been reinstated to the PGA Tour via the "returning members programme". 

Reed wasn't eligible for the scheme as it was only open major winners, or winners of the Players Championship, over 2022-2025. 

He will be able to tee up on the PGA Tour this August providing he doesn't play in anymore "unauthorized events". 

The former Masters champion will be able to compete in the FedExCUp Fall as a non-member and could accept sponsor invitations. 

From 2027, he will be able to compete on the PGA Tour out of the past champion category. 

LIV Golf have now released a full statement. 

A spokesperson said:

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.

LIV has always been an advocate for player movement and recognizes 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.

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.

The PGA Tour also issued a statement, confirming Reed will be able to start playing again from 25 August. 

"At that time, Reed would be eligible to participate in FedExCup Fall events as a non-member and could accept sponsor exemptions or participate in open qualifying for those tournaments," a spokesperson added. 

"Reed would then be able to reinstate his membership for the 2027 Tour season, where he would play out of the past champion category."

The PGA Tour have also confirmed that former LIV Golf players Hudson Swafford, Pat Perez and Kevin Na have applied for reinstatement. 

Na was the team captain of the IronHeads but wasn't offered a new contract. 

The team has since re-branded to Korean Golf Club, with PGA Tour veteran Ben An taking over as the skipper. 

Perez wants to play on the PGA Tour Champions.

The PGA Tour said in a leaked memo that all three players have had their memberships reinstated but will return at different times. 

Swafford and Perez are eligible to return 1 January 2027. 

Na's return date is unclear as the golfer is still facing disciplinary action for "outstanding violations of the regulations".