Patrick Reed made a statement in Thursday's opening round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink, firing a 3-under 68 to sit just one stroke off the lead. It's an impressive start for the 35-year-old American, especially considering he hadn't played a competitive round in a full month heading into the event.

That break appears to have been exactly what Reed needed. The 2018 Masters champion has had a whirlwind 2026 so far, leaving LIV Golf back in January—a move that now looks incredibly well-timed. Reed followed fellow major winner Brooks Koepka out the door, and he'll be eligible to return to the PGA Tour starting this August.

Just two weeks ago, it was announced that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) will withdraw their financial backing from LIV Golf at the end of this season. Reed, it seems, jumped ship at precisely the right moment.

When asked after his round whether he had any inside knowledge of the PIF's impending pullout before making his decision, Reed was straightforward. "I had no idea that was going to come about," he told reporters. "For me, it's just about hoping the guys continue playing solid golf and get their opportunities. Whatever their future is—whether on the DP World Tour, trying to get back to the PGA Tour, or wherever they're playing—I hope they keep playing well and doing what they do."

Whether Reed knew what was coming or not is now a moot point. What matters is that he made the right call, and his game is backing it up. While his driving was shaky—ranking 101st in strokes gained off the tee—his iron play was nothing short of spectacular, ranking second in strokes gained approach. He struggled a bit around the greens (70th) and was middle of the pack in putting (53rd), but still managed to gain 4.263 strokes on the field overall, tying for eighth place.

With three rounds still to play, Reed is in prime position to contend. If he can clean up his driving and short game, he could very well find himself in the winner's circle—and one step closer to that PGA Tour return.