Different Treatment For Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed by PGA Tour After Leaving LIV; Here's Why
Credits: IMAGO
Credits: IMAGO
While Brook Koepka returned to the PGA Tour having gotten the chance to play right away, the same cannot be said for Patrick Reed.
The former 4Aces GC member is returning to the PGA Tour as a past major champion (2018 Masters Tournament). Having won no major championship or THE PLAYERS Championship since 2022 made him ineligible to return under the Returning Member Program. That means Reed would have to wait till August 2026 to play on the PGA Tour finally.
On the other hand, Koepka won the PGA Championship in 2023. Hence, he’s able to tee it off soon after his return. However, he wasn’t free from penalties.
He had to pay around $85 million in fines and penalties, and he won’t be able to receive the PGA Tour bonuses or the FedEx Cup bonus for quite a while. He’d even have to earn his way back into the signature events.
Nevertheless, Patrick Reed has the chance to regain his PGA Tour membership if he finishes in the top 10 on the DP World Tour. Otherwise, he can play in 2027 as a past champion. And just like Koepka, Reed won’t receive the Tour’s Player Equity Program payouts until 2030.
July 12, 2025, Cadiz, Cadiz, SPAIN: Patrick Reed of Aces team looks on during day two of the LIV Golf Andalucia at Golf Club Royal of Valderrama on July 12, 2025 in Cadiz, Spain. Cadiz SPAIN - ZUMAa181 20250712_zaa_a181_097 Copyright: xJoaquinxCorcherox
July 12, 2025, Cadiz, Cadiz, SPAIN: Patrick Reed of Aces team looks on during day two of the LIV Golf Andalucia at Golf Club Royal of Valderrama on July 12, 2025 in Cadiz, Spain. Cadiz SPAIN - ZUMAa181 20250712_zaa_a181_097 Copyright: xJoaquinxCorcherox
But just a couple of days back, Reed won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic by four shots. And for now, he’ll continue to play on the DP World Tour as an Honorary Lifetime Member. Along with that, he’s also eligible to compete in the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and the Open Championship.
The PGA Tour officials state that the decision is justified.
Officials Give the Reason Behind Patrick Reed’s Penalties
The Chief Competitions Officer, Tyler Dennis, and the Chief Player Officer, Jason Gore, weighed in on the penalties and the returning players’ ineligibility to claim the Player Equity Program money for a limited time.
They defended the penalties as fair, policy-driven consequences that maintain competitive integrity while allowing a structured path back.
“We feel this is an appropriately significant – and justified – financial consequence for former PGA TOUR members who are reinstated,” they stated. “We remain committed to strengthening the PGA TOUR, serving our fans and welcoming back players who wish to return – through a consistent, policy-based process.”
Do you think Reed will make the cut and play in August 2026? Tell us in the comments!
Written by
Krushna Pattnaik
Edited by
Oajaswini Prabhu