Tom Watson recently called out the PGA Tour's decision to allow the return of LIV Golf players like Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka. Besides the buzz it created, his comments also got Reed clarifying his stance on the issue.

Koepka has already returned to the Tour, all thanks to the Tour's Returning Players Program, which offered the option for a limited time only. On the other hand, Reed announced his departure from LIV Golf earlier this year and, since then, has been playing on the DP World Tour, targeting his return.

To Watson's statement, Reed responded rather calmly. He said, “I'm just going by the rules. I'm doing my time from what they said on Player Handbook, and I'm excited to come back playing on the PGA Tour. I can't wait really to get back and finish my career on the PGA Tour where I started.”

Watson believed that the right way for LIV Golf players to return would be through the Korn Ferry Tour. However, Reed will be eligible to be back on the PGA tour from August 25, 2026, a year after his last LIV Golf tournament. 

Watson believed that the players migrating to LIV Golf broke the No.1 rule of protecting the sponsors. They chose money over the sponsors, which should have led to a lifetime ban, according to him.

Reed did not qualify for the Returning Member Program like Koepka, as the latter had won a major championship between 2022 and 2025. However, Reed’s latest major victory was in 2018, and as a result, he couldn’t be a part of the program.

Reed has always been open about his desire to come back to the PGA Tour. He just can't wait to compete on the "best tour in the world."

Patrick Reed’s Chances at the Masters

Patrick Reed has started strongly at The Masters this year. The former champion eagled two of his first eight holes, giving him an early lead and an impressive score of 5-under 31 on the front nine.

It's clear that Reed is determined to add on to his exceptional form this season. He has dominated in the DP World Tour this year with three consecutive top-2 finishes, one being a T2. His two victories came at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters. 

Having won The Masters in 2018 by one stroke over Rickie Fowler, Reed could make a strong statement by winning his second Green Jacket this week. 

But, do you think that will happen? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Souvik Roy