Patrick Reed has joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The former Masters champion was announced on Saturday as the breakaway tour’s latest signing along with PGA Tour veteran Pat Perez.
Reed, the world No. 36, will compete alongside the likes of Bryson De Chambeau, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood at LIV Golf’s second event in Portland, Oregon later this month.
Earlier this week, the PGA Tour suspended its members featuring at the tour’s first tournament at the Centurion Club in St Albans, where close to £20million in prize money was up for grabs, and warned the ‘same fate holds true’ regarding stars playing in future Saudi events.
Speaking of his new deal with LIV Golf, Reed said: ‘I’m super excited. Just the thought of being able to be a part of an evolution and a change in golf for the better, for me, is unbelievable.
‘I’ve been watching all weekend and with the format, the way everything is, I’m super excited and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
‘It’s refreshing to see team golf again. It brings you back to the good old days in college and back to the Ryder Cups and Presidents Cup, where you’re out there not just for yourself but also playing for your team.
‘I’ve been talking to some of the guys after the first and second rounds and they told me how well the tournament is run and the turnout with the fans, the energy and excitement that they have.
‘Every player seems so pumped and ready to go and Portland can’t get here fast enough.’
The new tour’s CEO Greg Norman has now lured five former Masters champions with Reed joining Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Charl Schwartzel at LIV Golf.
Norman, who reportedly offered Tiger Woods $1billion to cross golf’s divide, was delighted after securing Reed and boasted of his series’ growing strength.
He said: ‘The growing roster of LIV Golf players gets even stronger today with a player of Patrick Reed’s calibre. He has a proven track record as one of the most consistent competitors in pro golf and adds yet another big presence at our tournaments.
‘He’s a major champion who has had a significant impact playing international team competitions, and he’ll bring another impressive dynamic to our team-based format at LIV Golf.’
MORE : Bryson DeChambeau becomes latest star to join Saudi-backed LIV Golf series
MORE : Rory McIlroy sends message to Ryder Cup chiefs over Saudi rebels
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