To date, no LIV Golf player has featured on the PGA Tour or Champions Tour since the breakaway league’s inception three years ago.
Unlike the DP World Tour, which has allowed LIV Golf participation, the PGA Tour has been steadfast in its view of the Saudi-backed venture. Players who join LIV are banned from the PGA Tour for 12 months following their last appearance in the league.
Former LIV golfer Laurie Canter was close to earning a PGA Tour card last year. However, Canter revealed he received a letter from the Tour explaining he would be banned until February if he finished inside the ’10 Cards Initiative’.
After a string of LIV Golf exits during the off-season, former 4Aces player and three-time PGA Tour winner Pat Perez has now spoken of his desire to eventually play on the Champions Tour once he turns 50.
Pat Perez wants Champions Tour return
“A lot of it, I guess, will have to do with what happens with this so-called merger,” Perez told Sports Illustrated.
“If it doesn’t happen, I see no chance (of playing on the Champions Tour). But if it does, I want to know what I have to know. I want to know what the steps are to possibly play the Tour. There’s a lot of situations that have come up and it’s all based on what happens at the end of the day. What is negotiated? And I have a lot of questions.
“I’m not looking to come back to the PGA Tour. I don’t have any status any way other than the past champions category. I’ve never been a member of the Champions Tour, but it falls under the umbrella of the (PGA) Tour. I’m not even looking to play a full schedule anyway.”
Since reports emerged suggesting the PIF was set to invest $1bn in PGA Tour Enterprises, little information has been shared about the ongoing merger talks.
Pat Perez’s LIV Golf and PGA Tour records
Despite his controversial move to LIV Golf, Perez could have something to offer on the Champions Tour. His personality would perhaps make the circuit more entertaining, and he would probably be quite competitive.
Perez’s Tour wins include the 2017 CIMB Classic, 2016 OHL Classic and 2009 Bob Hope Classic. Whilst on LIV, Perez also finished in the top ten on multiple occasions and helped the 4Aces win the Team Championship at Doral in 2022.
After winning on the PGA Tour, the 48-year-old will be eligible to compete in the senior circuit when he turns 50. By then, the American will have served his 12-month ban and should be able to return provided no new legislation emerges.
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