Full Breakdown
Victor Perez Joins LIV Golf's Cleeks Golf Club for 2026 Season
11/19/2025, 4:55:53 PM
Transition from PGA Tour to LIV Golf
Victor Perez, a 33-year-old French golfer, has made headlines as the first player in 2023 to leave the PGA Tour for the Saudi-funded LIV Golf, joining the Cleeks Golf Club. The announcement was made by LIV Golf on Tuesday, with Perez replacing Frederik Kjettrup, who was unable to maintain his position in the league. Perez, who had a joint membership with the PGA Tour and the European Tour, faced challenges this season, ranking 108th in the FedEx Cup standings and withdrawing from the RSM Classic.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Since turning professional in 2015, Perez has built a notable career, securing three titles on the European Tour, including the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the 2022 Dutch Open, and the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. He also represented France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His performance on the PGA Tour included 25 starts this year, with earnings exceeding $4 million and seven top-10 finishes. Despite these accomplishments, Perez's recent struggles prompted his decision to join LIV Golf.
Cleeks Golf Club and Future Aspirations
The Cleeks Golf Club, led by two-time major champion Martin Kaymer, aims to innovate within the sport and attract a new generation of golf enthusiasts. With Perez's signing, the team is poised for a strong 2026 season, having already shown promise with Adrian Meronk's victory at the LIV Golf Riyadh event. Kaymer expressed enthusiasm about Perez's addition, stating that he embodies the qualities the team seeks to elevate both on and off the course.
Official Statements and Responses
In his statement, Perez remarked, “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.” He emphasized the growth of the sport and the innovative drive of LIV Golf, expressing excitement about contributing to this momentum.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding Perez's move, LIV Golf has faced criticism from various quarters, including traditionalists within the sport who question the league's impact on professional golf. Concerns have been raised about the financial backing from Saudi Arabia and its implications for the sport's integrity.
What's Next for Victor Perez
Victor Perez is set to make his debut for the Cleeks Golf Club at the season opener in Riyadh in February 2026. The anticipation surrounding his arrival and the team's aspirations for the upcoming season highlight the evolving landscape of professional golf, particularly with the increasing prominence of LIV Golf.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Victor Perez, Golfer
- “There’s been tremendous interest in joining Cleeks Golf Club, and we’re thrilled to welcome Victor as the final piece of our roster,” — Martin Kaymer, Cleeks Golf Club Captain
- “Victor is a world-class player who embodies everything Cleeks Golf Club stands for” — Jonas Martensson, Cleeks Golf Club General Manager
