Reed Fires Back at DP World Tour While Eyeing PGA Return

Patrick Reed has made his position clear on the potential return of Jon Rahm to the PGA Tour.

The 2018 Masters champion believes that players should earn their way back through competition rather than receiving special deals.

Reed spoke at a press conference on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

He stated that the PGA Tour officials will look into the situation, but he firmly believes that qualification is the only fair path for any golfer.

This stance comes as Rahm considers his options after leaving LIV Golf and facing a one-year suspension from regular PGA Tour events.

The conversation about Rahm's future has gained urgency because 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.

Reed, who successfully navigated his own return to the American tour, sees the merit in Rahm's resume but insists on the same rules for everyone.

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.

REED STANDS FIRM ON QUALIFICATION RULES

Patrick Reed did not shy away from the difficult question about whether Rahm should be allowed back on the tour under special circumstances.

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

Reed 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, which 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 Rahm is a world-class talent who could easily qualify if he commits to the process.

REED'S OWN RETURN AND FUTURE PLANS

Reed left LIV Golf ahead of the 2026 season and is now looking toward a return to the PGA Tour next year.

He will bag one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for the top DP World Tour players.

He is also challenging to become just the second American to win the Race To Dubai.

The American has been a big supporter of the European golf circuit over the years.

Even when he is back on the PGA Tour next year, he will aim to keep playing on the DP World Tour as well.

"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."

These comments send a strong message to the DP World Tour that Reed remains committed to their circuit even after he regains full PGA Tour status.

THE RAHM DILEMMA

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.

This raises the question of when that should happen and under what terms.

Reed believes players should have to earn their place back on the PGA Tour, hinting that Rahm should not be offered a return deal again.

"I definitely I feel like it's something that they are going to be looking into. How they do it is something else," Reed said.

The 2018 Masters champion can understand why the PGA Tour may consider offering a return deal to Rahm.

But he believes that LIV Golf leavers should have to play their way back, just as he did.

THE BROADER CONTEXT

Reed did not get a Brooks Koepka-style deal to return to the PGA Tour.

Instead, he played a full season on the DP World Tour and with two wins, he earned his place back on America's big tour.

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

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

McIlroy, the world number two, has expressed respect for both Reed and Chacarra.

"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.