LIV Golf appeared set to go into the 2026 season with reason for optimism having weathered arguably the most violent storm since the league started four years ago.
There was no question that Brooks Koepka‘s departure left LIV Golf in the most precarious position possible. Not only had Koepka left, but the PGA Tour also opened the door for Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith to follow him.
Do you think Patrick Reed is treated unfairly by golf fans?
He’s certainly not the most popular player in the game…
Or, it appeared that it had completed its lineup for 2026.
Patrick Reed has cast further doubt over his LIV Golf future
Few would have predicted that Patrick Reed would be the LIV player to flirt with the idea of returning to the PGA Tour in the wake of Koepka’s move.
Reed stated that the PGA Tour is the best stage for the world’s top players. He also insisted that he would consider a return if a pathway did open up.
Of course, Reed may have been being genuine. But it also appeared entirely possible that he was sending a clear message to LIV as they continue to discuss a new contract.
What no-one realised, however, is that Reed’s contract does not expire at the end of the coming season.
It has already expired.
Reed confirmed after winning the Dubai Desert Classic that he is technically a free agent. While he is talking with LIV about fresh terms, there are no guarantees that he will be in the field in Riyadh next month.
With that, this once again appears to be an incredible own goal from LIV Golf.
Reed has all the power as LIV look to avoid embarrassment
In truth, it would be an almighty shock if Reed was not playing in Riyadh. But the 2018 Masters champion will know that he has all of the power in negotiations.
If he decides to leave LIV, the league will have to desperately search for a replacement at the eleventh hour.
There is next to no chance of a household name making the move to replace Reed.
Would you like to see Patrick Reed back on the PGA Tour?
He confirmed he has not yet signed a LIV contract for 2026…
Whoever does get targeted in that situation will also be aware of LIV’s desperation and can demand an enormous sum.
Reed’s stock has hardly been higher in recent years. He won on LIV last year, while he already has a Rolex Series victory under his belt on the DP World Tour in 2026.
And should he walk away from LIV, he can play a full schedule there in the hope of earning one of the PGA Tour cards for 2027.
Getting Reed to commit to a new contract is not exactly going to send shockwaves through the sport. But losing him now most definitely would.
LIV have only really got themselves to blame.
