Patrick Reed confirmed on Wednesday that he has become the second high-profile name to leave LIV Golf this winter, with the 2018 Masters champion announcing that he plans to return to the PGA Tour.
There has been plenty of doubt over the future of Patrick Reed over the last couple of weeks. Reed lauded the PGA Tour and went on to confirm that he has not yet signed a contract with LIV Golf for 2026.
Is Patrick Reed leaving the end of LIV Golf?
First Brooks, now Reed…who will be next?
Many would have understandably assumed that Reed was simply flirting with the PGA Tour in an attempt to secure the best possible deal from LIV, particularly after winning the Dubai Desert Classic this past week.
However, Reed confirmed his LIV exit in a lengthy statement this week.
Brandel Chamblee comments on Patrick Reed returning to the PGA Tour
The 35-year-old will be able to play on the PGA Tour from late August as a past champion. In the meantime, he plans to continue playing on the DP World Tour.
It is a big blow for LIV. Reed was not their biggest name. However, the new season kicks off in Riyadh in early February. And they now need to find a replacement for the American.
Speaking on Golf Channel, Brandel Chamblee insisted that it is another big win for Brian Rolapp.
“We talk about sublime performances that absolutely blow our mind. The next best thing is rivalries, no doubt about it. Right now, Scottie Scheffler is by far and away the best player in the world, and that’s true even when the LIV players come back and play in major championships. But it is nice to have people come back that are a little rough around the edges,” he said.
“And there is sort of a Rory, Patrick Reed rivalry, maybe it’s been dormant for the last few years, maybe that comes back. Brooks Koepka and Rory have had the little rivalry. Maybe that does come back. But there’s no question that they’re interesting players. It’s a bad day for LIV and a great day for the PGA Tour.”
LIV Golf have a major issue to address with Riyadh event looming
It is going to be fascinating to see where LIV go in their attempt to fill the space left by Reed. Those who qualified through the Promotions event were not allowed to join a team, so taking another name from that list would presumably not work.
Obviously, there are reserves who could come in. But LIV will surely be desperate to try and recover some momentum by making an impressive signing.
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It has been a fairly bleak winter for LIV. They have made some smart signings and strengthened the amount of depth they have.
However, almost all of the attention is on Koepka and Reed leaving. As Chamblee notes, it really feels as though the PGA Tour has all of the cards.
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