LIV Golf have made a significant signing for the 2026 season, with Victor Perez joining from the PGA Tour.
Currently sitting 122nd in the world rankings, Perez has joined LIV Golf, where he will represent Cleeks Golf Club.
The Frenchman, who finished T19 at the US Open earlier this year, will play alongside Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland and Adrian Meronk.
Perez will make his LIV Golf debut under Cleeks GC captain Kaymer at the 2026 season opener in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tommy Gainey reacts after replacing Victor Perez at The RSM Classic
Intriguingly, Perez was in the field for this week’s PGA Tour event, but has understandably withdrawn from The RSM Classic.
His replacement has been confirmed as Tommy Gainey, who has made five starts on the PGA Tour in 2025.
And Gainey, who claimed his only win at The McGladrey Classic in 2012, has now messaged Perez amid the developments.
Gainey wrote on X: “I just want to say thanks to Victor Perez for his spot and wish him nothing but the best.”
Which LIV golfer do you most want to see return to the PGA Tour?
Tommy Gainey responds to fan criticism ahead of his return to the PGA Tour
American veteran Gainey has received plenty of support from golf fans ahead of his appearance at The RSM Classic.
The PGA Tour event represents the last of the FedExCup Fall schedule, and takes place at the Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia.
But 50-year-old Gainey’s spot was questioned by one fan, who asked the player on X: “Why would you take a spot when younger guys are trying to get into top 100? You have your status on champions! Bush league!”
Responding to the criticism, he said: “Because I earned my spot from earlier in the year when I played out here.”
It’s an intriguing situation, with Perez’s replacement likely to feel the need to prove a few people wrong this week.
The sentiment towards him has, however, been largely positive, with Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey boasting plenty of fans.
| Tournament | Position | Total | To par |
| Puerto Rico Open | T75 | 284 | -4 |
| Corales Puntacana Championship | T53 | 287 | -1 |
| ISCO Championship | T61 | 287 | +7 |
| Barracuda Championship | CUT | +9 | |
| Procore Championship | CUT | 148 | +4 |
Adding further drama to the situation, he only just won on the PGA Tour Champions, triumphing at last month’s Constellation Furyk & Friends.
From just nine starts, Gainey has already matched his wins total on the PGA Tour, where he’s made almost 250 starts.
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