Patrick Reed Bolts For LIV Golf and Rips The PGA Tour

Patrick Reed wasn’t exactly a fan favorite during his PGA Tour career.

Although the 31-year-old American was consistently among the World’s best, winning 9 PGA events, including the 2018 Masters.

Since turning professional in 2011, Patrick Reed has been involved in plenty of controversies, something which has stuck with him everywhere he went.

From his issues on the course with rules violations, and arguments with players in the field, to his family troubles off the course, not many were seen rushing for his autograph.

The recent news of his departure to Greg Norman’s LIV Golf was not surprising to many. The chance to play fewer tournaments for a bigger payout is an incentive that many are now taking.

Following fellow stars Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, to name a few, we will see them make their LIV Golf debut this week in Portland.

What made headlines during Patrick Reed’s departure were his comments about the structure of the PGA Tour.

His criticism was focused on the PGA Tour’s lack of communication with its’ players on several issues, including the schedule. When asked about the difference between the two Tours, Patrick Reed’s answer was short and sweet:

"“Listen to the players for once.”“We actually have an off-season where not only can we get healthy, work on our bodies, but we’re basically allowing ourselves throughout the year to, you know, try to peak at the right times is when you’re playing rather than feeling like you have to play every single week.”"

Fellow LIV Golf member Pat Perez doubled down on the comments made by Patrick Reed.

Pat Perez was more than happy to take a shot at PGA commissioner Jay Monahan in the process saying:

"“He doesn’t listen to the players. Somehow, they keep talking about, oh, yeah, we work for you, we work for the players, we work for the players. It’s the opposite. Seems like we work for them. We don’t have a say in anything.”"

Some pretty bold comments to make on your way out the door, especially to a Tour that is the reason for their continued success.

What’s interesting is that this has become a common theme among golfers switching over to LIV Golf: fewer events.

However, LIV Golf has plans to increase their events to 14 by 2024, this in addition to playing in the Majors.

Additionally, the PGA only requires you to play a minimum of 15 events, a number that LIV Golf will seemingly meet itself in the near future, so while many are falling for their remarks, many others will see right through it.

With both Tours competing this weekend, it’s another chance to see which Tour creates a better product for its fans.

What’s clear is the field for LIV Golf is becoming increasingly defensive, with no signs of slowing down.