Augusta Is Still The Best Test: Patrick Reed On Making A PGA Tour Comeback After LIV Exit

Augusta, April 7: American Professional Golfer Patrick Reed is navigating a global schedule once again as he eyes a return to the PGA Tour. One of the early and polarizing defectors to LIV Golf, the 2018 The Masters Tournament champion stepped away from the Saudi-backed circuit earlier this year. However, under reinstatement conditions, Reed will not be eligible to feature in PGA Tour events until after August 25.

Until then, he is competing on the DP World Tour, where he has already registered two wins along with a playoff loss in Bahrain, travelling extensively through places like Dubai and Qatar, far from his home in Texas and his family.

"Everyone kind of gets to be a creature of habit, and wants to eat what they're comfortable with and go," Reed said. "But I like checking out all the local places and really experiencing the culture."

This week marks a return to familiar surroundings at Augusta National Golf Club, a venue Reed holds close to his heart. Having played college golf nearby, the course carries a strong sense of comfort and tradition for him.

"There's just something so special about this place, the traditions behind it, and then on top of it, it's the one major that stays in the same place," Reed said. "All the way back from when I played my first time ever here... it's always in perfect shape."

He also highlighted the unique challenge Augusta presents. "It's one of those golf courses that you can't hit just one golf shot. You have to play golf kind of old-school way. You have to hit shots, different shapes, different flights."

Despite his shifting career path, the Masters has remained a constant. His status as a former champion ensured his return, and he has continued to perform strongly, including a tied fourth finish a few years ago and a third-place finish last year.

"I feel like it's the best test of golf we play all year round," Reed said. "For a guy that's played just about everywhere in the world... it's the best test of golf and best golf course I've ever played."

Reed revealed that his decision to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour was influenced heavily by family considerations, even though he was offered a contract to stay.

"I felt like the best decision for us was to come back and join the PGA Tour," he said.

"I've played now every tour. I've played on every single one of them," Reed added. "That's the place that I feel like is best for us to go and compete against the top guys year in and year out, week in and week out... but at the same time, to be able to spend more time closer to home makes it a lot easier to spend time with the kids."

Reflecting on family life, Reed said, "My daughter is now 11. My little man's 8. It seems like time has flown. I definitely want to watch them grow up and be home a little bit more, yet still at the same time to play against the best guys."

For now, Reed continues to balance his commitments on the DP World Tour with time at home, a rhythm he believes is working well.

"You not only sharpen your game, but you get a lot of family time," he said. "Those travels overseas... I can't wait to obviously go out there and compete, but at the same time, come home and see the family."