Patrick Reed has reacted to comments Tom Watson made on Thursday in which he suggested that he would have banned anyone who joined LIV Golf from ever returning to the PGA Tour.
Reed is going to be one to watch over the next few days at The Masters. The 2018 champion is on the first page of the leaderboard after finishing at three under par for the first round.
Of course, it is incredibly rare for anyone to win a major without playing on the PGA Tour beforehand in that same season. But Reed is currently plying his trade on the DP World Tour after deciding to leave LIV Golf ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Reed is on course to regain his PGA Tour card. He looks set to join Brooks Koepka following the five-time major champion’s own decision to leave LIV in December.
Patrick Reed responds to Tom Watson’s criticism of the PGA Tour
Koepka’s return was handled about as well as possible by Brian Rolapp and those at Ponte Vedra. Nevertheless, Tom Watson expressed his frustration with the decision in his press conference at Augusta National.
Watson said he would have banned anyone who went to LIV for life. Meanwhile, he suggested that they should at least have to spend a year on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Reed has now issued his verdict on Watson’s comments.
“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,” he said.
How players have treated Patrick Reed since his decision to leave LIV Golf
Reed has been a divisive figure throughout his career. So there was always the potential for his decision to spark some bitterness.
However, when asked about how some players have treated him, Reed insisted that little has changed.
He also spoke about the reception from the patrons at Augusta National.
“The guys from day one have always kind of been the same with me. When we’re out there grinding, we’re grinding. At the same time, there are some of these guys I’ve never even seen before, I have never met. I’ve met them for the first time a couple of guys this week and in previous weeks. It’s nice to get to know the new guys,” he said.
“But, no, all the old guys and people that were from the PGA Tour from the past whenever I was out there, it’s all been friendly and fine, especially when we’re inside the ropes playing golf.
“The crowds have always been great when I’ve been here, and I think that’s the thing. They love seeing great golf, great golf shots, and to be able to make those two eagles and get those roars going, especially early on, was really nice,” he added.
Obviously, in an ideal world for the PGA Tour, they would be able to shut the door on those who decided to jump ship and threatened the future of the tour.
However, players such as Koepka and Reed bring in fans. They drive interest whether you like them or not. So the PGA Tour has surely done the right thing.
They will be better for it in 2027 when Reed is back playing in their events.
