Pat Perez is departing LIV Golf to avoid suspension from the PGA Champions Tour, as his ex-wife Ashley’s controversial 2023 Ryder Cup comments about Rory McIlroy resurface
Pat Perez facing a suspension after trying to join PGA Tour from LIV Golf(Image: Getty Images)
Pat Perez is making his exit from LIV Golf after finding himself staring down the barrel of a ridiculous suspension from competing on the PGA Champions Tour.
Perez grabbed attention when his former spouse, Ashley, stirred up controversy by declaring she “would love to watch Rory (McIlroy) get punched in the face” following the 2023 Ryder Cup. This drama unfolded after Perez had jumped ship to LIV Golf and, following his departure from active competition in the league, transitioned into a commentary role last year.
Nevertheless, the ex-4Aces GC competitor won’t be keeping his broadcasting gig with the Saudi-funded organization after being outspoken about his ambitions to compete on the PGA Champions Tour once he hits the big 5-0 in March. According to reports from the Sports Business Journal, his broadcasting work with LIV could result in at least a year-long ban from participating in Champions Tour events.
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Perez previously competed on the PGA Tour, accumulating three victories during his professional journey.
Pat Perez divorced his wife in 2024 and is looking to rebuild career on PGA Tour
The golfer has navigated significant personal upheaval recently, confirming the end of his marriage to Ashley.
Their nine-year union concluded in January of 2024, and it was during the 2023 Ryder Cup that Perez’s then-wife sparked outrage with her social media posts, reports the Mirror US.
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Rory McIlroy found himself in a heated exchange with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava. Europe’s Shane Lowry intervened to defuse the tension, but Ashley Perez had some choice words for McIlroy.
Ashley, whose allegiances lay with Team U.S., posted on Instagram:
“I can’t possibly be the only one that would absolutely love to watch Rory get punched in the face.
“And I mean that in the nicest possible way… kinda.”
Perez reached a career peak of 16th on the Official World Golf Rankings in 2018.
The Arizona-born golfer, with a net worth of $13 million, transitioned to LIV Golf in 2022 after parting ways with the PGA Tour.
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