Washington (AFP) – Victor Perez became the first French player to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League on Tuesday after withdrawing from the final US PGA Tour event of the fall campaign. The 33-year-old Frenchman was set to play in this week’s RSM Classic at Georgia’s Sea Island Golf Club but withdrew shortly before being announced as the latest signing for LIV’s Cleeks team in 2026.
Perez, 120th in the world rankings, was in a fight to keep his playing rights for next year. He stood 108th in the PGA fall points standings and needed to jump into the top 100 by his results in this week’s PGA tournament to keep full rights in 2026. Instead, he joined LIV Golf and as a result is no longer eligible to compete in US PGA Tour events, a ban imposed when the upstart series launched in June 2022.
Related news
Perez was a three-time winner on the DP World Tour, including his most recent triumph in 2023 at Abu Dhabi. His best PGA Tour finish was a share of ninth at June’s Canadian Open.
“LIV Golf’s innovation and energy are driving it forward,” said Perez, who will make his LIV debut in Riyadh in February. “I’m excited to be part of that momentum and can’t wait to get started in Riyadh.”
© 2024 AFP
