Patrick Reed won the Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday, then revealed that his LIV Golf contract has expired, casting doubt on his future with the Saudi-backed circuit. The American, who finished at 14 under par after a final-round 72, said he is still finalising a new deal with LIV and hinted at a possible return to the PGA Tour via the DP World Tour's top-10 order of merit.
Reed's duel with David Puig was overshadowed by a post-round penalty for the Spaniard, who grounded his club in a bunker on the 18th and was docked two strokes, dropping from second to a tie for seventh. Andy Sullivan took second after a strong inward half of 33, with Julien Guerrier third.
The win highlighted the complex relationship between the PGA Tour, which funds the DP World Tour, and LIV, which is banned from PGA events but allowed to compete on the European circuit. Reed's contract revelation adds another layer, as he could potentially earn a PGA Tour card by finishing in the DP World Tour's top 10. “If I ended up not playing on LIV this year, obviously I would be out here playing more on this tour and trying to secure one of those spots in the top 10,” Reed said.
Reed's victory, achieved with a steady final round after starting with a four-shot lead, made amends for his narrow loss to Rory McIlroy in 2023. McIlroy, who finished outside the top 20 this time, said he was “stuck in neutral for most of the week”. Reed's bargaining position has strengthened as he contemplates his next move in professional golf.
