Why Victor Pérez Left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2026

Victor Pérez leaves the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2026, citing stability, team focus, and family priorities.

French golfer Victor Pérez has announced his move to LIV Golf starting in 2026, leaving behind the PGA Tour. He will join Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks Golf Club, replacing Danish player Frederik Kjettrup. In an interview with Today’s Golfer, the 33-year-old shared his motivations for the switch. Pérez is set to make his LIV debut at the 2026 Dubai Desert Classic in Riyadh and is already preparing for the new chapter.

“It’s hard to know how I’ll perform compared to others since it’s my first season,” Pérez said. “I’m excited, and I think others will need to readjust to 72-hole formats, which suits me. I’ve always been consistent, and that should help in LIV’s team format where four scores count.” He added, “Last year, we saw how one underperforming player could impact the Cleeks. My goal is to raise my level and deliver solid results to help the team.”

“I didn’t always know when or where I’d tee off next”

Pérez explained that while he didn’t feel he played poorly, the constantly shifting PGA Tour qualification criteria made planning difficult. A single Top-10 finish wasn’t enough, and he often had to book flights and accommodations last minute while his wife Abigail cared for their newborn. “I felt the way the PGA Tour structured events put me at a disadvantage,” he said.

In 2024, Pérez played 28 events across the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, reducing to 25 in 2025. He failed to qualify for the Open Championship or either tour’s playoffs. To retain full PGA Tour status, he needed a Top-5 finish in the final fall event to break into the FedEx Cup Top 100. Previously, finishing 125th would have sufficed, but new rules now only secure status for the Top 100.

“It was tough to join the PGA Tour in 2024 and immediately see the rules change,” Pérez said. “It started with elevated events I couldn’t enter, then the card limit dropped from 125 to 100. More changes seem likely next season. This instability made it hard to believe in the product.”

Though he voiced concerns to new PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, Pérez didn’t receive the assurances he needed. This led to discussions with LIV Golf and Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC. After rumors surfaced, Pérez confirmed his departure just two days before the RSM Classic, his final PGA Tour event.

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“It wasn’t an easy decision”

Pérez admitted he never imagined leaving the PGA Tour when he joined five years ago. “But that’s how it is. At this stage