PGA

“I’ve been sniffing and knocking on the door for a couple of majors since those decisions have been made, and those moments did validate that decision.

“It’s good to see people wanting to play where it motivates them to be their best.”

Rose finished 23 under at last week’s Farmers Insurance Open, beating the tournament’s previous best winning score of 22 under by Tiger Woods in 1999 and George Burns in 1987.

Rose also became the oldest player to secure a wire-to-wire finish on tour – leading in all four rounds – since Rocco Mediate in October 2010 aged 47.

“I want to play in and among the best players in the world; that’s what keeps me motivated, keeps me hungry, keeps me pushing,” Rose continued.

“It would have been easy to potentially do other things but none of that excited me and none of that gave me access to what I wanted to achieve.

“I always felt my childhood self wouldn’t feel very good about making that decision and giving up on those dreams.”

Last month, Patrick Reed announced he was leaving LIV Golf to make a return to the PGA Tour, following American compatriot Brooks Koepka in departing the series.

Five-time major champion Koepka, 35, made his comeback at Torrey Pines under a new returning member programme.

The also opened the door to the return of other major winners Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith but all three pledged their commitment to LIV before the 2 February cut-off date to apply to get on the programme.

Koepka agreed to make a $5m (£3.7m) charitable donation as part of his return, while 35-year-old Reed, who is planning to play on the DP World Tour this year, is eligible to begin competing on the PGA Tour in August, 2026 with a view to reinstating his membership for the 2027 season.

England’s Justin Rose shot a seven-under-par 65 to extend his lead to four shots at the Farmers Insurance Open while returning Brooks Koepka made the cut in San Diego.

The 45-year-old, who leads Ireland’s Seamus Power, sits on 17 under after breaking his own 36-hole record at the tournament.

Rose shot the round of the day on Friday at the more challenging South Course with an eagle, six birdies and just one bogey.

“I feel like in my career I’ve won on tough golf courses generally, so that’s my M.O., I would say,” said 2025 Masters runner-up Rose, who led by a shot after an opening-round 62.

“It’s the kind of a place I enjoy. It’s one of my favourite tournaments on Tour, just the whole area, the whole atmosphere, the whole vibe.”

Meanwhile, Koepka continued his return to the PGA Tour with a second-round 68 to make the cut on three under.

Five-time major winner Koepka, who agreed a release from his LIV Golf contract at the end of 2025, struggled on the South Course on Thursday, shooting a round of 73.

But on the North Course he found his form in his first PGA Tour event in four years, sinking an eagle putt on the 17th.

“I think [Thursday] I was excited to play, nervous, and kind of didn’t know what to expect, but today felt more normal, I guess,” Koepka said.

“But yeah, I mean, don’t get me wrong, I definitely still got antsy, but I guess maybe a little bit of nerves, just trying to figure it out and test – see where my game’s at too, right? I feel like I’m playing really well. It’s just been a long layoff.”

Xander Schauffele’s streak of making consecutive cuts – the longest active on tour at 72 – came to an end, while Patrick Cantlay, Gary Woodland, Will Zalatoris, JJ Spaun, Max Homa and Ludvig Aberg also all missed the cut.

A PGA Tour statement said:, external “Given that he resigned his Tour membership prior to violating any Tour regulations, he would be eligible to return to Tour competition on August 25, 2026, as a non-member, provided that he complies with Tour regulations and does not participate in additional unauthorised events.

“At that time, Reed would be eligible to participate in FedExCup Fall events as a non-member and could accept sponsor exemptions or participate in open qualifying for those tournaments.

“Reed would then be able to reinstate his membership for the 2027 Tour season, where he would play out of the past champion category.”

It added Reed planned to play on the Europe-based DP World Tour this year, having won the Dubai Desert Classic last week.

“I will continue to compete and play as an honorary lifetime member on the DP World Tour, which is something that I am truly honored and excited to do,” said Reed.

“I’m a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour, which is where my story began with my wife, Justine.

“I am very fortunate for the opportunities that have come my way and grateful for the life we have created.

“I am moving forward in my career, and I look forward to competing on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. I can’t wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best places on earth.

“I want to thank everyone involved for helping me make this decision. Over the last four years, I have learned a lot about myself, about who I am and who I am not, and for that I am forever grateful.”

Reed was part of the 4Aces team in LIV Golf alongside fellow American Dustin Johnson.

“To Dustin Johnson, The Aces, and LIV Golf, I want to thank you for the memories we shared and created together,” added Reed.

“To golf fans around the world, I just want to thank you all for your continued support over the years.

“I just ask that you respect the decision we have made for our family, our children, and our future. Thank you for your continued support.”

Reed’s move comes with LIV Golf preparing for a fifth season in the first week of February in Riyadh.

“LIV has always been an advocate for player movement and recognises that when golf settles into a new normal, players will not only have the right, but the opportunity to play golf when and where they want,” added the LIV statement.

“As we look forward, our focus remains on building teams and a league that fans can believe in and players enjoy – those who compete at the highest level, play the game the right way, and understand the responsibility to grow the game around the world by engaging fans and celebrating partners.”