Victor Perez, who earned a PGA Tour card via the DP World Tour in 2023, has become the latest golfer to join LIV Golf.  The Frenchman fought for his job and struggled for form, sitting 108th in the FedExCup standings before the season finale. Perez was slated to tee off at the RSM Classic but withdrew from the event.

He has now joined Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks GC, becoming part of a distinct European roster alongside Adrian Meronk and veteran Richard Bland, replacing Frederik Kjettrup, who suffered relegation following the conclusion of the 2025 season.

“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 about his decision to join the Saudi-backed league. “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.”

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Perez is the first player this year to leave the PGA Tour. He struggled on the Tour this year, with his best finish being ninth in the RBC Canadian Open. That was also his only top-ten this year. He missed the cut at his last appearance at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Two-time major champion Martin Kaymer expressed pure thrill and welcomed the move. “There’s been tremendous interest in joining Cleeks Golf Club, and we’re thrilled to welcome Victor as the final piece of our roster. 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,” he said.

Victor Perez and Martin Kaymer are delighted with the move, but golf fans are not so much.

 The global online golf community wasn’t happy with this sudden swap

“Play well, TG. The frog has gone to the swamp of golf,” one fan wrote. The angry fan refers to a harsh label often used by critics like analyst Eamon Lynch. Lynch described the Saudi-backed league as a “swamp” due to its controversial funding sources.

Other fans see the move as another aggressive raid by LIV Golf. As one disappointed fan posted, “LIV claims another victim.” They see the PGA Tour losing depth while trying to desperately hold onto talent. And another fan just repeated the same feeling, saying, “Chance to secure his tour card and bro is off to Liv (sic!).” The Frenchman faced a high risk of losing his full card, and the RSM Classic was his last chance to secure his place for the next season.

Another fan took a sarcastic dig at the Frenchman. “WD due to Generational Wealth achievement.” It describes the astronomical signing bonuses handed to players in LIV Golf. For a superstar like Jon Rahm, this meant $300M+, and for players like Perez, the economics are different, but it’s still life-changing.

And finally, the timing of Perez’s withdrawal—on the Tuesday of the final event of the year—is worth noting. As one fan said, “As much as I wanted VP to play, NGL I love the psychological games of these WDs – intentional or not. Last full field event of the year. Just a reminder that the @PGATOUR still needs to deal with @livgolf_league. Hopefully we’ll get a last-minute WD from Hero or a couple in Jan 🤘🏽“. 

By withdrawing so late, Perez disrupts the field and forces changes. And we have seen this pattern before. Cameron Smith withdrew from the BMW Championship right before his LIV announcement. As did Adrian Meronk, who withdrew from the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open citing illness and then joined the breakaway league.