LIV Golf kicks off its 2026 season this week in Riyadh, and the field will look a bit different this time as Patrick Reed won't be there, but what will he be doing in the meantime?

The 2018 Masters champion announced his separation from LIV Golf about a week ago and will therefore not compete in this year's tournament. Reed publicized his move three days after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic this year. However, that doesn't mean he will be sitting at home in the meantime.

The 35-year-old has entered the Qatar Masters, a DP World Tour event scheduled for February 5-8 at Doha Golf Club. His entry was confirmed by ESPN last week.

Reed's choice to play in Qatar continues his run in the Middle East after his win in Dubai a few days ago. He currently holds the No. 2 spot in the Race to Dubai standings.

If he finishes among the top 10 non-exempt DP World Tour members by the end of the year, he will earn full PGA Tour status for 2027. But while the 35-year-old parted ways with LIV Golf with a vision to join the PGA Tour, his earnings will decrease significantly if his wish comes true.

From $4 Million Paydays to $425K: Reed's Risky Bet

Reed started 2025 competing in LIV Golf while also playing on the DP World Tour. However, his start in 2026 looks very different. He is fully committed to the European circuit with no LIV obligations.

This change shows his focus on earning Race to Dubai points rather than chasing bigger cheques. However, the differences between the purses of the tournament are staggering.

LIV Golf Riyadh offers a total purse of $20 million, with a $4 million winner's share. On the other hand, the Qatar Masters' total purse is $2.5 million, and the winner earns $425,000. That's about one-tenth of what a LIV champion makes. 

On account of transitioning from LIV Golf, Reed cannot compete on the PGA Tour until September. So, do you think he is doing the right thing by competing in DP World Tour events till then?

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Souvik Roy