Thriving in ‘weird' situation at PGA, Patrick Reed stunned by LIV Golf's new reality

Despite his un-Reed-like major prep, the 2017 Masters champion was sharp on Thursday at Aronimink. He led the field in greens in regulation (88.9 percent) and made two birdies to no bogeys. He’s one off the first-round lead shared by several players, including Scottie Scheffler.

“This year’s a little different,” Reed said. “Honestly, I enjoyed my time at home. I enjoyed actually getting to grind, to prepare, and work on things and get ready for this week. Hopefully, I can continue the solid play and get myself up there and have a chance late Sunday. Who knows, it might be a new thing.”

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Jon Rahm looks on during a press conference at the 2026 PGA Championship

Reed’s major prep isn’t the only thing different about the current state of professional golf. Things have been moving fast as golf’s civil war appears to be nearing a conclusion.

Since Reed left Augusta National, his former tour has been rocked by news that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund will be withdrawing funding for LIV Golf after the season. That news has left LIV facing an uncertain future as CEO Scott O’Neil tries to secure funding for the 2027 season.

“I had no idea that was going to come about,” Reed said. “For me really, it’s kind of just, you know, hope the guys continue playing some solid golf and get their opportunities. Whatever their future is, whether it’s on DP Tour, try to get back to PGA Tour or wherever they’re playing, hopefully continue to play solid golf and go out there and do what they do.”

Before his win in Dubai, Reed and his team were negotiating for a new contract with LIV. Four days later, he won the tournament and decided that his time on the Saudi-backed league was over. He wanted to return to the PGA Tour, to get those competitive juices flowing and be in the old arena again.

The thought that the PIF might pull funding did not factor into Reed’s decision. It just wasn’t what his heart wanted anymore.

“None whatsoever,” Reed told GOLF, Sports Illustrated and Golf Channel when asked if the fear of the PIF pulling funding made him want to leave. “No. That was strictly just how I felt on the golf course when I was in Dubai. Want to get that feeling back, going out there and playing, having those ups and downs and that traditional type of golf where you’re the last man standing on the range. It had nothing to do with that. I was utterly surprised.”

Reed hopes it all works out for the guys who remain on LIV. But that’s in his past. He’s navigating and thriving in his new reality, one that could very well see a second major materialize on the weekend in Philadelphia.

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