Patrick Reed's Bold Plan to Offset $1 Million in Fines Through Tournament Victory
Controversial LIV Golf star Patrick Reed has revealed his intention to pay off his entire $1 million in fines by securing victory at this weekend's Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The former Masters champion faces significant financial penalties from the DP World Tour each time he competes on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour this season, but believes tournament success could provide the solution.
Financial Penalties and Defiant Stance
The American golfer, currently ranked world number 44, took the halfway lead in Dubai with a second round score of 66, putting him in prime position to challenge for the $1.53 million first prize. Reed's straightforward approach to the financial implications of his tour choices reflects his determination to continue competing globally despite the sanctions.
"Go ahead and win early and that will take care of it," said Reed when discussing his strategy for managing the substantial fines. "If it happens to be where I'm being fined and having to pay fines to play out here, so be it. I'm not going to allow that to deter me from showing support and playing on this tour."
Contrasting Approaches Among Golf Stars
Reed's willingness to pay the financial price stands in stark contrast to fellow LIV Golf players Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who are refusing to pay their fines and have appealed the sanctions. The DP World Tour maintains a firm policy of refusing permission for its members to participate in Saudi-backed tour events, imposing penalties of up to $100,000 per tournament violation.
The former Ryder Cup star, who reportedly earned approximately $40 million for joining LIV Golf in 2022, demonstrated his financial success across tours last year with $9.7 million from LIV Golf events and an additional $2.6 million from DP World Tour competitions. Until January 1st, LIV Golf had covered its players' fines, but this responsibility has now shifted to individual competitors.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
Reed acknowledged the complex financial calculations involved in his situation, noting: "Do I have to earn $1m to break even? Oh, yeah. But that's a really fluid one depending on how much it is because it also depends where the event is. There are so many different factors that go into it."
He expressed frustration with the administrative complexity, stating: "Trying to wrap your head around all of it, it's confusing. I'd rather just tee it up and play, and costs me this, whatever, I'll go play. Play well and it offsets."
Future Tour Considerations and Past Controversies
Despite being banned from the PGA Tour, Reed admitted this week that he would consider returning if the Returning Members Program was extended to include Major winners from 2018. The current policy, which successfully brought back Brooks Koepka, only includes winners from 2022.
"It all depends," Reed commented about potential future opportunities. "You just never know. I've always enjoyed being out there on the PGA TOUR, and if that opportunity ever comes, whenever that is, it will be a decision. But right now, that decision isn't out there yet."
The golfer, who played 32 events in 2025, will begin his LIV Golf season in Riyadh on February 4th. His history in Dubai includes memorable moments, particularly his 2023 confrontation with Rory McIlroy during heightened tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, when Reed flicked a LIV-branded tee at McIlroy after being ignored on the driving range.
Reflecting on the incident, Reed smiled: "It was hilarious. I guess I need to grab a handful of tees and break the ice. Go up to him like that and maybe he needs to throw one at me." The confrontation occurred after McIlroy received court documents from Reed's lawyers on Christmas Eve during a legal dispute between the players.
As Reed prepares for the weekend's crucial rounds in Dubai, his focus remains on letting his golf do the talking. "Hopefully go out and have a chance to win Sunday and allow the golf to do all the talking," he stated, emphasizing his competitive priorities over the ongoing financial and political controversies surrounding his tour affiliations.
