Pat Perez, a prominent supporter of the LIV Golf series, is now at risk of losing his spot in the league.
The 48-year-old American, one of the early high-profile defectors from the PGA Tour in June 2022, currently sits in 47th place in the individual standings. With only five events left in the 2024 season, Perez is dangerously close to the ‘Drop Zone,’ which would mean relegation for the next season.
The upcoming events include tournaments in Valderrama, Spain, followed by stops in the UK, West Virginia, Chicago, and Dallas. Players who finish the season in 49th place or lower face losing their positions. LIV Golf, led by Greg Norman, is anticipated to bring in new talent from the PGA Tour, leaving little chance for those relegated to return.
Perez, who initially found success in LIV as part of Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces team, has been vocal about his decision to join the Saudi-backed league.
He once criticized Tiger Woods for questioning the motivation of LIV players, stating on the Son of a Butch podcast:
“The incentive is the fact that last place is £120,000, first place is £4 million.”
Despite his staunch support for LIV, Perez now finds himself in a precarious position. He’s not alone; teammates like Harold Varner III and Branden Grace are also close to relegation.
Conversely, Bubba Watson, who leads the Range Goats GC team, is safe from demotion due to his captain status.
As Perez contemplates his future, the golf world watches closely to see if he can maintain his place in the controversial yet lucrative LIV Golf league.
