Victor Perez’s rise in LIV Golf hinges on one life-changing conversation that pushed him away from the PGA Tour. In a candid, unfiltered interview, he opens up about what forced his hand, the clash with Brian Rolapp, and why returning to the DP World Tour felt like stepping backward—even as his family weighed heavily in the balance.
Perez apologizes for taking TG’s video call from his home gym, where his 10‑month‑old daughter sleeps nearby and the treadmill and dumbbells behind him hint at a life in transition. “I’ve basically been kicked out of my own house,” he jokes, a sign of how unsettled things have become. Yet the coffee in frame signals a pause in an otherwise chaotic moment as he relaxes during a rare off‑season lull amid the noise surrounding his move to LIV Golf.
The Frenchman retreated to Edinburgh after resigning his PGA Tour membership last month and plans a few days in London with family before returning to the Bahamas for an early Christmas. Then the real work begins: a five‑week pre‑season to sharpen for the Dubai Desert Classic, a tune‑up before his LIV Golf debut in Riyadh in early February.
“I don’t know exactly where my level stands relative to the field,” Perez says. “But I’m excited. The others will have to adapt to 72 holes again, which may play into my hands. I’ve always been steady, with compact scoring, something that could help on LIV where four scores count toward the team.” He notes that Cleeks Golf Club’s format last year showed one strong performer could carry a team, so his aim is to raise his personal level consistently to lift the team’s results.
Perez acknowledges that 2025 was tough not because of his play alone, but because of a lack of clarity over PGA Tour qualification and a pace of competition that left him scrambling. A single top‑10, frequent schedule uncertainties, and travel demands for his wife and newborn made preparation challenging.
“I wouldn’t say I had the worst two seasons in America,” he reflects. “I played OK, but not enough to contend, and the Tour’s ranking and schedule structure felt to my advantage get pushed away from me. Not being in Signature Events hurt, and as top players crowded the spotlight, those outside the top 10 didn’t get the payoff weeks they deserved.”
Perez competed in a peak 28 events on the DP World and PGA Tours in 2024, but only 25 in the following year, missing The Open and the season finales on both sides of the Atlantic. To keep full PGA Tour status, he would have needed a top‑five in the final fall event to crack the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings—an ongoing letdown after dropping from 125 the previous year. He sees this as another example of the Tour’s shifting goalposts that favored the elite while squeezing others.
Speaking of the PGA Tour’s leadership, he recalls mid‑season conversations with new CEO Brian Rolapp that offered little clarity or reassurance, prompting him to explore alternatives. That exploration led to Cleeks Golf Club, where discussions with general manager Jonas Martensson suggested an opening on the roster as another player’s results lagged.
Personal ties mattered, too. Perez valued his relationships with teammates like Martin Kaymer and Adrian Meronk, and he felt a strong fit with Cleeks’ squad, including Richard Bland. The decision took shape quickly once rumors circulated online: two days before the RSM Classic, his move to LIV became public. He withdrew from the event, though the outcome would likely have been the same regardless.
Five years into his career, Perez never imagined resigning his PGA Tour membership would become a reality. Still, he’s clear that the move serves his family best, even if it wasn’t a lightly taken choice. He spoke with many people whose perspectives varied, underscoring the complexity of such a decision.
Travel, majors access, and the certainty of a defined schedule were critical factors. LIV’s travel demands are steeper, and with a young child, coordinating family logistics across continents is a real consideration. Yet the flip side includes a predictable calendar, guaranteed earnings, and a broader field with high‑level competition, including recent major winners, which Perez believes can keep him challenged and growing.
On majors and Ryder Cup ambitions, he remains hopeful about competing at the highest levels. He plans to retain his DP World Tour membership, though penalties could complicate that if LIV players are penalized for participating in LIV events without permission. LIV has announced it will no longer cover those fines starting next year, a move that could have far‑reaching consequences if arbitration rules against other LIV players unless a new agreement emerges.
Perez envisions a future where the two tours find common ground so players can pursue their goals without punitive financial pitfalls. He acknowledges the DP World Tour would like players back, but the current fines create a rift that’s hard to bridge. The result is a stalemate where compromises feel too large for either side to accept.
Throughout a landscape that often invites evasiveness, Perez stands out for his transparency. He weighs money, stability, competition, and family needs with honesty, recognizing that the sport is still professional and performance remains essential for longevity. His willingness to speak openly about the trade‑offs—and his determination to provide for his family—makes his decision understandable, even if some fans disagree.
If you’re curious about the broader implications of Perez’s move and LIV’s evolving status, the conversation is just getting started. Do you think LIV’s structure delivers long‑term containment of talent and competitive integrity, or is the traditional circuit’s prestige and stability still the better home for elite players? Share your take in the comments.
