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Patrick Reed: I left LIV to return to 'traditional' golf

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 08: Patrick Reed of the United States tees off on the 10th hole on day four of the Joburg Open 2026 at Houghton GC on March 08, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Reed has played much of this season on the DP World Tour

Former LIV golfer Patrick Reed admits a desire to return to "traditional" golf was partly behind his decision to leave the Saudi breakaway series.

The 35-year-old American made the surprise decision not to renew his contract in January, days after winning the DP World Tour's Dubai Desert Classic.

He followed up with a joint second in Bahrain and then won the Qatar Masters the following week with his return to the PGA Tour set to come later this year.

"It definitely happened quickly but when I was over there in Dubai and playing I was sitting back and realising I wanted to get back and have an opportunity back on the PGA Tour but to get back to the traditional way of golf and playing," the 2018 Masters champion told a press conference at Augusta.

"When I stood there in Dubai that Saturday the entire range is full and then guys just start disappearing and you’re the last man on that tee box.

"Then you’re walking to the tee, you’re the last name announced, and you’ve lost the lead because someone is five-under through eight.

"All those just rushes and those scenarios, going back into playing golf that way where you’re going out there and you’re having the battles between not just yourself but the other guys on the leaderboard, I wanted that back.

"I wanted that adrenaline back and those feelings, especially with the way I played those last three weeks.

"But in Dubai, when I got done, I knew this would be a perfect time for me since I didn’t have a contract signed with LIV at the time, so I knew it would be kind of an easier transition.

"To be honest with you I felt like was the best, not just for the golf game, but also for my family to spend more time with them."

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Collin Morikawa of The United States plays a shot during his practice round prior to the 2026 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
Collin Morikawa is struggling with a back injury

Two-time major winner Collin Morikawa is taking his back injury "day-by-day" having not played since pulling out of the first round of the Players Championship with back problem almost a month ago.

"The honest truth is I'm taking it day by day. It’s not exactly where I want to be and it’s unfortunate but that’s just the body and I can’t push it," he said.

"It’s been a little bit of a mental battle, just trying to trust with where it’s at, but there’s a comfort level and this isn’t a place where you want to be uncomfortable.

"It’s frustrating but at the same time I can’t do anything stupid and push my body in a way it doesn’t want to do."


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