Patrick Reed, one of the biggest names in golf and a member of the LIV Golf setup, is set to return to the DP World Tour this week. He will be participating in the Spanish Open in Madrid, marking his comeback after his 2024 LIV campaign ended last week in Dallas. Despite the conclusion of the Saudi-backed circuit for another year, Reed's season is far from over as he has received an invitation to compete in Spain this week. Joining him in Madrid are four other LIV stars including Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton of Legion XIII, and Fireballs teammates David Puig and Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra.
Although Reed is banned from competing on the PGA Tour due to his allegiance to LIV, he is free to participate in events on the European circuit. Reed, 34, is an honorary member of the DP World Tour. While this does not grant him the right to compete in every event, he has no outstanding sanctions with the Tour and is therefore permitted to accept tournament invitations. Despite members of the circuit facing fines and suspensions for participating in 'conflicting' LIV events, it appears that Reed has settled his dues, making him eligible to compete.
Patrick Reed, an American golfer, has a strong affinity for the European-based tour, which was acknowledged in 2019 when he was awarded life membership following his Masters victory in 2018. "I have always loved coming over, playing on the European Tour, and showing my support," he stated in July 2023. Reed took pride in being one of the few American golfers who consistently participated in European Tour events. "I took pride in being the one American who always came over consistently. Hopefully, everything will work out and I can get back to doing that. I have been everywhere: the big events, and smaller events. It wasn't like I only came over and played in the big events, I showed support consistently."
After obtaining his card, Reed continued to participate in European Tour events, demonstrating his commitment to the tour. "Once I got my card I kept coming over, kept showing support, and tried to play at least the minimum number of tournaments every year. Getting honorary life membership as only the fourth American and the only American still out playing meant a lot to me. It meant a lot to me to come over and play, to show support to the entire tour."
Reed's Post-LIV Plans
Reed's plans for the DP World Tour following his departure from LIV Golf will not be limited to Spain. He has also accepted an invitation to compete in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, where he will be part of a strong field that includes notable golfers such as Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. The breakaway league will also be well represented throughout the week, with Reed, Rahm, Hatton, and Brooks Koepka among the 14 players from LIV in the field.
LIV Golf's Impact on the Golf World
The LIV Golf series has been a controversial topic in the golf world since its inception in 2022. The Saudi-backed league has lured some of the biggest names in the sport, offering lucrative contracts and a different format. This has caused tension between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, with players who have joined LIV facing bans from the PGA Tour. The debate over the future of golf and the role of LIV Golf is likely to continue in the coming years.
What's Next for Reed?
Reed's return to the DP World Tour is a sign that he is still looking to compete at the highest level. However, it remains to be seen what his long-term plans are. Will he eventually seek to return to the PGA Tour, or will he focus on playing in LIV Golf and European events? The answer to this question could have significant implications for the future of golf.
The controversy surrounding LIV Golf and the ongoing battle for the hearts and minds of fans and players may force Reed to make a difficult decision regarding his future plans. Only time will tell how Reed navigates these turbulent waters and what impact his choices will have on the landscape of professional golf.
