Golf's controversial figure, Patrick Reed, has stunned the sport with a surprising revelation. In a shocking twist, Reed, known for his villainous reputation and involvement in cheating scandals, expresses a desire to return to the PGA Tour, the very organization he once turned his back on for a lucrative deal with LIV Golf.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite being a central figure in the LIV Golf saga, Reed admits that the PGA Tour is the premier golf tour in the world. This statement is sure to ruffle feathers among LIV Golf's Saudi backers, who have invested heavily in the league. And this is the part most people miss: Reed's willingness to acknowledge the PGA Tour's superiority could be seen as a betrayal to his current league.
The 2018 Masters champion, Reed, has been a lightning rod for criticism. He faced cheating allegations, particularly in the Bahamas in 2019, where he was accused of illegally improving his lie in a bunker. Adding fuel to the fire, his wife was believed to operate a burner account on social media, attacking Reed's critics. These controversies solidified his reputation as one of the PGA Tour's most abrasive personalities.
In 2022, Reed made headlines by joining LIV Golf, backed by Saudi investors, and reportedly earned a staggering $37 million (A$55m) for the year. However, the recent bombshell return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour has seemingly opened a door for Reed to reconsider his options.
During the Dubai Invitational, Reed hinted at his desire to play on multiple tours, including the PGA Tour. He stated, 'I'd play everywhere,' and emphasized his enjoyment of his time on the PGA Tour. But there's a catch: the PGA Tour's Returning Member Program, which allows former members to rejoin, comes with strict eligibility criteria that currently exclude Reed.
The program's eligibility is limited to players who won a major after 2021, which doesn't include Reed's 2018 Masters victory. Reed acknowledges this, stating, 'Right now, it's not even a decision.' He remains focused on his current commitments, aiming to solidify his position on the DP World Tour and build momentum for the year.
Yet, Reed's comments raise intriguing questions. Is his willingness to return to the PGA Tour a genuine desire or a strategic move? Could this be a backflip in the making, with Reed eyeing a potential $55 million payday if the eligibility criteria change? The controversy deepens as we await the sport's next move, leaving fans and critics alike eager to share their thoughts on this unexpected development.
