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Patrick Reed Pursued PGA Tour Card on European Tour

The 36-year-old golfer competed internationally to secure a spot on the PGA Tour via the Race to Dubai standings.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Golf

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Professional golfer Patrick Reed is competing on the international circuit, aiming to secure his 2027 PGA Tour card through high-stakes tournament performance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Patrick Reed returned to the European tour to compete for a 2027 PGA Tour card, currently leading Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai standings. Reed sought to earn his place through tournament performance rather than receiving an exemption.

Why it matters

Reed chose to compete globally after declining to renew his contract with LIV Golf, following advice from Gary Player to become a true international player. He now aims to finish in the top 10 of the European tour standings to earn entry to the PGA Tour.

The top 10 finishers in the European tour rankings earn 2027 PGA Tour cards. Patrick Reed, age 36, currently holds the lead in the Race to Dubai following victories in Dubai and Qatar and a runner-up finish in Bahrain.

The players

Patrick Reed

He is a 36-year-old professional golfer who won the Masters tournament in 2018.

Rory McIlroy

He is a professional golfer who is currently trailing Patrick Reed in the Race to Dubai standings.

Gary Player

He is a legendary professional golfer who advised Patrick Reed to compete internationally to improve his status.

Collin Morikawa

He is a professional golfer who previously won the Race to Dubai in 2021.

The details

Reed, who won the Masters in 2018, shifted his focus back to the European circuit to qualify for the PGA Tour. His campaign was interrupted by his withdrawal from both the BMW PGA Championship due to a hand injury and the French Open.

Timeline

  1. In 2021, Collin Morikawa won the Race to Dubai.

  2. In February, Reed secured victories in Dubai and Qatar along with a runner-up finish in Bahrain.

  3. The article was published on October 6, 2026.

  4. Qualifying players will receive PGA Tour cards in 2027.

Season Trajectory

Patrick Reed is attempting to replicate the performance seen during the 2021 Race to Dubai won by Collin Morikawa to secure his PGA Tour standing. This campaign significantly impacts the competitive balance of the European tour as he vies for one of the top 10 qualifying spots.

The top 10 finish requirement means Reed must maintain high placement in remaining events to bypass the need for special PGA Tour invitations. His withdrawal from the BMW PGA Championship and French Open has narrowed his margin for error in the final season standings.

The takeaway

Reed proves that even established major winners must adapt their career paths to align with changing tour qualification structures. His international approach underscores the importance of the European circuit as a vital pathway for golfers seeking to regain PGA Tour access.

Further reading

For more on the latest standings and international tournament results, visit the Golf section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by AP NEWS.

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