U.S. Open: Former LIV Golf recruit Patrick Reed expecting warm reception upon PGA Tour return

Patrick Reed says he expects a warm reception when he returns to the PGA Tour as he has approached his comeback in "the right way."

The American, 35, was among the first players to be recruited by the LIV Golf League in 2022. 

In January, appeared set to extend his stay with the PIF-backed circuit but instead chose not to renew his contract, ending his spell with a team that included Dustin Johnson.  

Former Masters champion Reed later told of how he was a "traditionalist at heart" and missed aspects of competing as an individual, including the buzz of being the last person on the driving range before a final round. 

Unlike Brooks Koepka, Reed was not eligible for the PGA Tour’s returning member programme and is required to serve a period away before making his official return in August, with full reinstatement targeted for next year. 

Speaking to Golf Channel ahead of the 2026 U.S. Open, Reed doubled down on why he left LIV Golf. 

"I felt like when I really looked at it and sat down and made the decision for what I thought was best for myself and my family to be able to come back and play on the PGA Tour, I wanted to do it the right way," Reed said.

"Not just because of the membership but also because of the players. 

"Coming back and making sure that I did my time in sitting out and coming back and earning my spot out here, rather than just coming back and be given a spot.

"I feel like, because of that and coming back the right way it kind of seems like not only the players but also the people who are part of the PGA Tour are happy to have me back."

Reed began the year with a bang, winning twice in the Middle East on the DP World Tour before once again putting himself in contention to win his second green jacket at Augusta National in April. 

But since then Reed has barely played, with the American only teeing it up at the PGA Championship.

Still, Reed doesn't believe the lack of competitive action will do any harm ahead of what promises to be another brutal U.S. Open test at Shinnecock Hills. 

"In the past, I have come into majors play ready, because of playing events leading into it, but this time and this year feels like the first time I have actually been able to work on the game and fundamentally get the swing where I wanted it. It’s a whole different approach," he said.

"But I knew coming in after making the decision to try and come back to the PGA Tour, I knew at that point, after spacing out the schedule, that I would be having time off after Augusta and after the PGA. 

"But I knew once the US Open it would be hitting the ground running. I will be back to my usual self, playing a lot."

Reed believes he has also improved areas of his game. 

"I think the biggest thing is ball striking. I have hit the ball a little better.

"And I really understand what causes each golf shot, so if something goes off I am able to fix it right then and there on the golf course rather than having to grind it out and figure it out after the round."

Reed is playing the first two rounds of the 2026 U.S. Open alongside fellow Americans Andrew Novak and Kurt Kitayama. 

Keep checking GolfMagic for regular updates from the third men's major of the year.