While Scott O’Neil did suggest that LIV Golf would try and sign PGA Tour players this off-season, it is hard to imagine that Brian Rolapp would have been particularly concerned by the news that Victor Perez had decided to make the jump.
Perez has joined Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC, replacing the relegated Frederik Kjettrup. It looks to be a decent addition for a team that has struggled to make any mark in 2025.
Victor Perez reaction to joining LIV Golf
The Frenchman’s decision came to light in the final stages of the season. Perez withdrew from The RSM Classic ahead of the announcement being made.
He was previously in the camp of players looking to make the jump into the top 100 in the FedEx Cup standings after a difficult season. But of course, any doubts over his future have now been put to bed.
And it seems that played a part in Perez’s decision to make the move to LIV.
Victor Perez explains his decision to join LIV Golf amid concerns over the PGA Tour
Speaking in an interview with Bunkered, Perez explained how the changes to the PGA Tour prompted him to seek a fresh challenge, with much less uncertainty over his schedule on LIV.
“You know, there’s been times early in the year where I thought I had qualified for one [event], but then actually I didn’t qualify and then end up qualifying for some,” he said.
“Trying to keep up with other things they were trying to do made it a bit more difficult.
“This year you come about and then they’re cutting 25 cards because all of a sudden, you know, pace of play is an issue.
“I had a really long conversation well before this with Brian Rolapp, asking how the tour was going about and what his vision of it was. It seems like things were going to keep moving and changing.
“I felt like I was at a point in my career where I was looking for a bit more stability, which is something that I really hadn’t had, and LIV seems to be doing this.”
The PGA Tour are taking a gamble as they look to become more ruthless
The PGA Tour is potentially taking a gamble with deciding to reduce the number of full cards handed out each year. Those who finished outside of the top 100 in the FedEx Cup will have their work cut out making enough of an impact in the starts they do get to earn full member status again.
Of course, the superstar names on the tour should be absolutely fine as the tour becomes more and more ruthless.
But it is a risk. At some stage, the PGA Tour could find itself struggling to make new stars.
Which LIV golfer do you most want to see return to the PGA Tour?
It has been suggested that the PGA Tour got lucky in having Scottie Scheffler come along to take the mantle from Tiger Woods.
They may not be so fortunate the next time.
Perez is not going to move the needle with his switch to LIV. But his move shows that there is an opportunity for the breakaway league to pitch itself as the better pathway for those making their way in the game.
It will be interesting to see how many players take a similar view to Perez as they decide their futures in the coming years.
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