French Golfer Victor Perez is officially joining LIV Golf for the 2026 season! Perez, formerly of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, will be playing for Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks team, replacing Frederik Kjettrup.
We break down Perez’s move, his recent performance (including withdrawing from the RSM Classic), and what this means for the Cleeks team and the future of LIV Golf.
We also touch on the other ways players can qualify for LIV, including the PIF Saudi International and the Promotions event. Stay tuned for more LIV Golf updates!
The golf world is buzzing with drama as a talented French pro shakes things up by switching leagues. Could this be the tipping point in the sport’s biggest rivalry? French golfer Victor Perez, who has been making waves on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour lately, is set to join the LIV Golf League just in time for the 2026 season. But here’s where it gets controversial. This move comes amid ongoing tensions between LIIV and traditional tours, sparking debates about loyalty, money, and the future of the game. Let’s dive into the details and unpack why this transfer matters for fans and players alike. LIV Golf made the announcement on Tuesday following media buzz that Perez would be stepping in for the Clicks team. He’s replacing Frederick Jetup, who got the boot from the league after failing to crack the top 48 players in the 2025 standings. If you’re new to LIIV Golf, it’s a relatively new tour backed by Saudi investment designed to rival the established PGA Tour with its high payouts and shorter seasons. Think of it as a flashy alternative that promises more excitement, but has divided opinions in the golf community. Perez, currently sitting at 122nd in the official World Golf Ranking, was teetering on the edge in the PGA Tours FedEx Cup standings at 108th. For beginners, the FedEx Cup is like a championship race at the end of the season where players earn points to secure their status for the next year. Falling short means risking loss of full playing privileges, which can be a big deal in terms of career stability. That’s exactly the pressure he was under, which might explain his decision to make the leap to LIIV. Interestingly, he was slated to compete in this week’s season ending RSM Classic, but pulled out on Tuesday, perhaps to focus on his new path. At 33 years old, Perez brings solid experience to the table with three career wins on the DP World Tour, including his most recent triumph at the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. He even represented France proudly at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing his skills on the international stage. These accomplishments highlight why he’s seen as a valuable addition. Imagine a player with that kind of precision and Olympic pedigree bringing fresh energy to a team. The Clicks team hasn’t exactly been dominating in LIIV’s short history, which adds an intriguing layer to this signing. Led by Captain Martin Kare, a two-time major winner, Think big tournaments like the PGA Championship, the squad includes Richard Bland and Adrien Moranc, who notably clinched victory in LIIV’s season opening event last year. Kare expressed his enthusiasm in a statement. There’s been tremendous interest in joining Clicks 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. It’s a nod to LIV’s vision of revolutionizing golf, but critics might argue it’s more about flashy marketing than true innovation. And this is the part most people miss. The broader implications for the sport. The upcoming season ending PAF Saudi International, part of the international series, will decide two more players who will join LIIV next season. Think of it as a gateway event where PGA and DP World Tour pros can earn their ticket to the league’s lucrative world. There’s also a promotions event in January that could bring in two additional players with other signings likely to fill the remaining spots across teams. This wave of transfers is reshaping rosters and could signal LIV’s growing appeal, especially with its hefty payouts that often dwarf traditional tour earnings. Of course, not everyone is cheering this on. The LIV golf saga has been rife with controversy, from accusations of undermining the PGA tour to questions about ethical funding sources. Is Perez’s switch a smart career move or a betrayal of golf’s heritage? And what does it say about the future? Will LIIV eventually overtake the established tours, or will traditional golf fight back harder? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you see this as progress or a step backward for the sport? Share your opinions in the comments below. Let’s debate.
