Jon Rahm Must Qualify to Return to PGA Tour

Jon Rahm has been told he must earn his way back to the PGA Tour through qualification rather than receiving a special deal.

Patrick Reed made that position clear during a press conference on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, said the PGA Tour officials will look into Rahm's situation.

But he firmly believes that qualification is the only fair path for any golfer.

"I definitely feel like it's something that they are going to be looking into," Reed said, according to reports from Yahoo Sports and Golf Monthly.

"How they do it is — I believe that players should have to earn their place back on the PGA Tour."

This stance comes as Rahm considers his options after leaving LIV Golf.

Rahm faced a one-year suspension from regular PGA Tour events after his departure from the Saudi-backed league.

The Spanish star has not yet secured a spot for the 2027 season.

Rahm has indicated that he would prefer to play on the PGA Tour.

But he admits that no official discussions have taken place yet.

The conversation about Rahm's future has gained urgency because time is running out.

Reed, who successfully navigated his own return to the American tour, sees the merit in Rahm's resume.

But he insists on the same rules for everyone.

Reed acknowledged that the decision is complex but reiterated his long-held belief that merit should determine eligibility.

He stated that if a player has earned the right to compete and meets the qualifying standards, they should be allowed to play anywhere.

This view contrasts with the idea of granting exceptions based on a player's past achievements or financial status.

Reed's comments carry significant weight because he recently completed his own journey back to the PGA Tour.

Following his departure from LIV Golf in August 2025, he completed a suspension before returning to competition on the DP World Tour.

He climbed to number two in the standings and earned his PGA Tour card for the upcoming season without a special exemption.

His experience proves that it is possible to return through standard competitive pathways.

That supports his argument that Rahm should do the same.

According to reports from Yahoo Sports, Reed emphasized that the PGA Tour leadership has the final say on how to handle Rahm's situation.

However, he made it clear that he does not support bypassing the rules that apply to other players.

Reed noted that the dynamic between these two major champions highlights the ongoing tension between the PGA Tour and the players who previously joined the Saudi-backed league.

Rahm will also feature heavily on the DP World Tour next season after leaving LIV Golf.

Whether that is a full season or a split campaign alongside playing in America remains to be seen.

The Spaniard has hinted that he would accept a similar deal to Brooks Koepka if offered one by Brian Rolapp.

That is despite already turning down that very same deal along with Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith earlier this year.

As Rahm explained his LIV Golf exit, he said he would have a discussion with the PGA Tour about his possible return.

That raised the question of when that should happen.

Reed believes players should have to earn their place back on the PGA Tour.

He hinted that Rahm should not be offered a return deal again.

Reed also confirmed that he will keep playing on the DP World Tour even after he returns to the PGA Tour next year.

"I'll definitely still be out here playing this tour," Reed confirmed in Abu Dhabi.

"It's always been a dream of mine, as well as I've always made it a priority to be the American that comes over and keeps my card and comes over and plays worldwide golf."

"I've really enjoyed my time not only on the DP World Tour but with the guys out here and everything."

"I'm definitely going to continue supporting this tour even playing the PGA Tour. Don't worry, I'll still be back."

The DP World Tour playoffs are currently underway in Abu Dhabi.

Reed is paired alongside Rory McIlroy and Eugenio Chacarra for the start of the playoffs.

McIlroy, Chacarra, and Reed are all neck-and-neck for the Race to Dubai title.

McIlroy has expressed respect for both Chacarra and Reed.

"I think you look at Eugenio and Patrick as former LIV players but coming back and going through the process of trying to build their way back through the game and through this tour, and ultimately both of them are going to get a PGA Tour card again next year," said McIlroy.

"I have a lot of respect for them with the way that they have done."

Chacarra, a former LIV Golf player himself, has also earned his way back through the DP World Tour.