Brooks Koepka deciding to leave LIV Golf was unquestionably a significant moment in the battle for supremacy among the game’s biggest tours.
The PGA Tour seems to have weathered the storm LIV Golf created in 2022. And bringing Brooks Koepka back into the fold ahead of this season was a further statement of intent from those at Ponte Vedra.
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Brooks Koepka has left, while they have signed the likes of Laurie Canter and Thomas Detry so far
The news left a sizeable question mark over the future of LIV Golf, particularly with the newly-launched Returning Member Program also leaving the door open for Cameron Smith, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau to follow Koepka.
As things stand, the trio look set to stay with LIV this season. But that does not mean that the league does not now find itself under significant pressure.
Another LIV Golf star publicly flirts with the idea of making a PGA Tour return
DeChambeau spoke of his excitement about LIV’s future at the US Open last year. Following news of Koepka’s departure, his tone changed slightly.
DeChambeau has more recently publicly offered few assurances about staying on LIV beyond 2026 when his current contract expires. His press conference answer during their media week this month was intriguing.
And another player has now flirted with the idea of returning to the PGA Tour in the future.
As reported by The Telegraph, Patrick Reed confirmed that he would have to consider taking up the offer if the PGA Tour presented him with the opportunity to come back.
“It’s not really a decision for me at the moment,” he said. “I mean, that was for players [who won majors from] 2022 and on. [But] I definitely would have to think about it, if that number was [taken] down to 2018.”
“Of course [I would like to play on the PGA Tour again]. I mean, if it’s up to me, I’d play everywhere. I’m already playing on three tours [LIV, the DP World Tour and the Asian Tour], so why not add one more?
“I always enjoyed my time out there on the PGA Tour. I mean, let’s be honest, it’s the best tour in the world. Look at what they’ve done in golf. You know, I could see myself playing there at some point again.”
It is jarring to hear a LIV player – someone who won in 2025 no less – label the PGA Tour the best stage.
Reed is a divisive figure. As things stand, it would be harder to justify inviting the 35-year-old back despite his 2018 Masters victory.
But there has arguably not been a clearer indication that a LIV player would be prepared to turn his back on the league to return to the PGA Tour.
That surely means one of two things – and neither looks good for LIV.
Whatever the motivation, Patrick Reed’s comments are not good news for LIV Golf
Reed could indeed be eyeing a return to the PGA Tour.
While LIV would survive losing Captain America, it would not be a good look if another major champion made their desire to leave so public so soon after Koepka’s departure.
That would certainly suggest that there are several more players hoping that a return to the PGA Tour becomes possible.
On the other hand, it could be a negotiating tactic from Reed. LIV are expected to be prepared to meet Bryson DeChambeau’s $500 million demands to tie him down to a new contract.
Reed confirmed to Bunkered late last year that he is talking with the league about a new contract. Crucially, he also insisted that he loves playing on LIV.
The 4Aces man would be foolish to not try and get himself the best deal possible. So these latest comments may simply be a way to make sure that LIV know that he is prepared to walk away.
That is also far from ideal for LIV.
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Rory McIlroy recently warned LIV face spending $6 billion just to stay where they are now. And those comments are looking more and more valid each day.
DeChambeau is holding out for four times the amount he initially signed for. Meanwhile, Reed is clearly not going to make it easy for LIV.
LIV know that Reed would probably be prepared to spend a year on the DP World Tour if that is what it takes to get back onto the PGA Tour – if that is what he wants to do.
He is yet another player who seems to have seized a lot of the power in negotiations.
It certainly appears that LIV have got themselves into a sticky situation.
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