‘I could see it’ – Golf’s pantomime villain hints at PGA Tour return despite immediate fine

Patrick Reed has opened the door to a PGA Tour return if a change is made to their Returning Member Program.

His comments follow the news that Brooks Koepka will be making a comeback after leaving LIV Golf.

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Reed remains contracted to the Saudi-backed league ahead of the 2026 season after joining in 2022.

However, he hailed the PGA Tour as the ‘best in the world’ after appearing at the Dubai Invitational over the weekend.

The former Masters champion finished 26th at the Dubai Creek Resort after a one-over 72 final round on Sunday.

Following the event, he was asked about a possible PGA Tour return.

Reed explained: “I mean, of course; if it were up to me, I’d play everywhere.

“I’m already playing on three tours, why not add one more? (laughing).

“I always enjoyed my time out there on the PGA Tour. Let’s be honest, out there, it’s the best tour in the world. Look at what they’ve done in golf.

“I could see myself playing there at some point again. But right now, you just never know; everything’s so fluid.”

Koepka’s comeback was confirmed as part of the new Returning Member Program earlier this month.

However, he faces $90million (£67m) in penalties after leaving LIV Golf at the end of last year.

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The policy allows players to return to the PGA Tour if they have been away for more than two years.

To be eligible, though, they must have won either a major championship of the Players Championship between 2022 and 2025.

Reed’s Masters victory at Augusta National came back in 2018, meaning he would not currently be eligible.

Could Reed make PGA Tour return?

Discussing the Returning Member Program, the 35-year-old added: “Right now, it’s not even a decision.

“That was for 2022 and on winners. So, I definitely would have to think about it, if that number (came) down to 2018.

“Right now, it’s hard to say really what we’re going to do or anything like that.

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“Right now, the biggest thing is trying to play some good golf these (two) weeks, not only to solidify myself out here on DP, but to have a good momentum going into the year.”

Reed was a nine-time winner on the PGA Tour prior to his switch to LIV Golf three years ago.

The American is also a long-time rival of Rory McIlroy after their infamous duels at the Ryder Cup and Masters in the past.

They could clash once again on the DP World Tour this week at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates.