Victor Perez shot the most memorable round of his career this past August – a back-nine 29 that nearly won him an Olympic medal in front of his countrymen at Le Golf National. Four months later, the 33-year-old Frenchman has walked away from the Tour system that gave him that stage, becoming the first French player to sign with LIV Golf despite sitting #122 in the world rankings. He now excitedly shared his feelings.

“Joining Cleeks Golf Club for the 2026 season feels like joining golf’s next great chapter, as this club continues to push boundaries, perform at the highest level, and bring fresh energy and vision to the game,” Perez said. “The sport’s growth has been incredible, and LIV Golf’s innovation and energy are driving it forward. I’m excited to be part of that momentum and can’t wait to get started in Riyadh.”

Cleeks Golf Club announced the signing on November 19, completing their 2026 roster with the three-time DP World Tour winner. Victor Perez joins a team captained by two-time major champion Martin Kaymer, alongside England’s Richard Bland and Poland’s Adrian Meronk. He replaces Frederik Kjettrup, who was relegated after finishing outside the top 48 players in the 2025 season. But behind the pioneering headlines lies a harsher reality.

Perez’s 2025 PGA Tour season produced just one top-10 finish in 25 events, leaving him 108th in the FedEx Cup standings with 479 points – dangerously close to losing his fully exempt status. His $1,341,741 in earnings represented a significant drop from the $2.07 million he earned in 2024. This significant decision comes with a steep cost.

Without OWGR points from LIV events, Perez’s world ranking will likely plummet – just as Dustin Johnson dropped from 13th to 571st and Cameron Smith fell from 2nd to 206th after joining the Saudi-backed league. LIV Golf’s application for OWGR recognition, resubmitted in June 2025, remains under review with no decision announced. The statistics, as well, tell a paradoxical story.

Perez ranked 6th on the Tour in greens in regulation at 71.61%. His approach play earned him +0.44 strokes gained, placing him 37th among all players. Yet these strengths couldn’t compensate for his weaknesses. His driving struggled mightily. Perez lost -0.23 strokes off the tee, ranking 165th in the category. His putting faltered, too, sitting 138th in putts per hole. These flaws undermined his otherwise elite ball-striking ability.

The Olympic performance showed what Perez could achieve when everything clicked. He finished 4th at 16-under par with that career-best 63. An eagle at the par-5 14th sandwiched between back-to-back birdies showcased his potential. But moments like these proved too rare during his PGA Tour campaign. Nevertheless, Perez was welcomed generously in the team.

“There’s been tremendous interest in joining Cleeks Golf Club, and we’re thrilled to welcome Victor as the final piece of our roster,” said Martin Kaymer, the team’s captain. “With LIV Golf driving innovation in the game, we’re focused on building not just a stronger team but also contributing to building the next generation of global golf stars. Victor embodies the precision and passion that will help us forge that path.”

“Victor is a world-class player who embodies everything Cleeks Golf Club stands for”, said Jonas Martensson, Cleeks Golf Club General Manager. “He has the talent, the mindset, and the style to elevate our team both on the course and beyond it. We’re delighted to welcome him into the Cleeks family.”

The timing of the move creates an unavoidable irony.

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From Olympic hero to LIV Golf pioneer in four months

Perez represented France at home during the Paris Olympics. He hit the opening tee shot of the men’s competition. The moment carried profound emotional weight for the Frenchman.

“I told myself on the range, I told my caddie James, I was like, let’s be there the full 10 minutes before and really soak it all in. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’ll never hit this tee shot ever again.”

Now that same player becomes France’s first LIV Golf representative. The move potentially jeopardizes his Olympic qualification pathway. LIV Golf events don’t award OWGR points, which determine Olympic eligibility. His #122 ranking will almost certainly drop without access to ranking points from his primary Tour.

The decision reflects the shifting landscape of European golf. Perez joins growing European representation on LIV. His Cleeks teammates hail from Germany, England, and Poland. Spanish stars like Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia already compete on the circuit. English players Tyrrell Hatton, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter anchor other teams.

Perez will make his LIV debut in Riyadh in February 2026. Whether that chapter includes world ranking recognition, access to major championships, or another Olympic opportunity remains uncertain. For now, he’s chosen guaranteed security over the uncertain grind of Tour survival.