Reed does not call for an automatic exemption for Rahm
At a 4 November 2026 press conference before the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links in the United Arab Emirates, Patrick Reed was asked about Jon Rahm's possible return to the PGA Tour. Following the Spaniard's departure from LIV Golf, one question is whether he could receive an accelerated route back, comparable to the one-off programme used by Brooks Koepka.
Reed did not announce a PGA Tour decision or demand special treatment for Rahm. He expressed a sporting principle: players who earn the right to compete and meet the qualifying conditions should be able to play. He acknowledged that the actual eligibility decision belongs to the Tour's leadership rather than individual golfers. He also recognised the two-time major winner's record and said he had enjoyed playing alongside him.
The distinction matters: supporting Rahm's possible return is not the same as confirming that Rahm has been awarded a PGA Tour card. As of 4 November, the terms of any potential reinstatement had not been announced as settled.
In the opening group with McIlroy and the season leader
Reed also has his own target in Abu Dhabi: the Race to Dubai. He is scheduled to start the first round on 5 November alongside Rory McIlroy and Eugenio Chacarra. Chacarra enters as the season points leader, with Reed second and McIlroy third. The 5–8 November event begins the final two DP World Tour Play-Off tournaments.
Asked about that grouping, Reed said he was looking forward to playing alongside McIlroy again; they had not shared a group for some time. He had already played with Chacarra this season and anticipated a competitive, enjoyable round. Those comments were made before the opening round and should not be mistaken for a report of results.
There is a history behind the pairing: Reed and McIlroy have had public disagreements. In October, however, McIlroy praised the way Reed had pursued his return through competition on the DP World Tour. Reed's new remarks concern the forthcoming round and do not constitute a joint statement from the two players.
Two different routes towards the US circuit
Reed and Rahm are not in identical positions. On 28 January the PGA Tour officially said Reed could become eligible to play as a non-member from 25 August 2026, subject to its regulations, and could reinstate his membership for 2027 in the past-champion category. A sufficiently high Race to Dubai finish could improve his priority category.
Rahm, by contrast, is still discussing the possibility of returning. Reed's comments are therefore a personal view on qualification, not confirmation of a new rule or a final PGA Tour decision.
Sources: DP World Tour's 4 November interview; reporting of Reed's answers by Golfweek and The Mirror; PGA Tour's 28 January statement.
