Patrick Reed handed early PGA Tour return despite ongoing suspension

Patrick Reed will make an earlier-than-anticipated return to PGA Tour action in 2026 after being cleared to compete in the Genesis Scottish Open, despite remaining under suspension until late August.

The 2018 Masters champion confirmed late last month that he would be leaving LIV Golf after opting not to renew his contract ahead of the 2026 season, following Brooks Koepka’s recent departure from the breakaway league. 

While five-time major champion Koepka was able to return immediately via the PGA Tour’s newly-designed Returning Membership Program, Reed did not meet the criteria for instant reinstatement.

That policy only applies to major champions and Players Championship winners from 2022 onwards. 

Reed’s sole major title came at the 2018 Masters, meaning he must serve a one-year suspension that runs until 26 August. 

However, Reed will still be able to compete on the PGA Tour a month earlier than expected. 

According to Scottish-based publication bunkered, the American is eligible to play in the Genesis Scottish Open in July, with the event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Reed qualifies through his continued membership on the DP World Tour.

The Genesis Scottish Open is set to include just about all of the biggest superstars on the PGA Tour. 

The American's appearance at The Renaissance Club will mark his first PGA Tour start since The Memorial Tournament in 2022. 

He signed with LIV Golf a week later and was subsequently removed from the entry list for the 2022 Scottish Open.

The 35-year-old is otherwise expected to play a full DP World Tour schedule this season, where he has made an outstanding start. 

Reed won last month's Hero Dubai Desert Classic, narrowly missed out at last week's Bahrain Championship after a playoff defeat, and he is once again in contention at this week’s Qatar Masters.

His latest results have propelled him to second behind Jayden Schaper in the Race to Dubai standings, placing him firmly in contention for the season-long race for the first time in his career. 

Reed’s resurgence on the DP World Tour could have implications for Rory McIlroy, who is chasing a record-equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy. 

With a full DP World Tour schedule and strong early form, Reed has emerged as a genuine threat to McIlroy’s bid.