Three-time DP World Tour winner Victor Perez has become the LIV Golf League’s first new signing ahead of the 2026 season after opting to leave the PGA Tour.
Perez won the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the 2022 Dutch Open and the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, with the Frenchman securing dual membership on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour via his Race to Dubai position that year.
The 33-year-old has prioritized the PGA Tour the past two seasons, but was in danger of losing his card on the American circuit, sitting 108th in the FedExCup standings heading into the RSM Classic, where Perez withdrew from the final FedExCup Fall event ahead of his move to LIV Golf.
Cleeks GC teased a new signing with a cryptic post on social media before later confirming that Perez would complete their roster for next season alongside former world No.1 Martin Kaymer, England’s Richard Bland and Poland’s Adrian Meronk.
“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,” said Perez.
“The growth of the sport has been incredible and LIV Golf’s innovation and energy is driving it forward. I’m excited to be a part of that momentum and can’t wait to get started in Riyadh.”
Perez replaces Frederik Kjettrup, who was relegated by failing to finish in the top 48 on the points list, with further new signings expected before the 2026 LIV Golf League season starts on February 7.
Victor Perez has been confirmed as LIV Golf’s first new signing of the off-season
“We are pleased to welcome Victor as the latest addition to our roster,” said Kaymer. “We are focused on building not just a stronger team, but also helping to build the next generation of global golf stars. Victor embodies the precision and passion that will help us move down that path.”
Countryman Matthieu Pavon, France’s only winner on the PGA Tour this century, was among those who paid tribute to Perez on social media. He said: “Only love to my friend Victor Perez as he begins his new journey.
“Life is made of choices and I’m sure he made the best: for his family, for himself and for his team. Will miss our fun times together on the field.”
Stenson ‘set for DP World Tour return’ as Rahm, Hatton uncertainty continues
Former Open champion Henrik Stenson is reportedly set to return to the DP World Tour after being demoted from the LIV Golf League, according to Bunkered.
Henrik Stenson has not played in a DP World Tour event since 2023
Stenson was removed as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain in 2023 after joining the Saudi-backed circuit, but is currently out of LIV Golf status for next season after finishing 49th in the standings.
The Swede first had to settle financial penalties imposed on him by the DP World Tour for playing in conflicting LIV events without permission, as Bernd Wiesberger previously did, before returning from LIV Golf.
Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton also face fines and suspensions for playing in LIV Golf events, but remain eligible to play on the DP World Tour as things stand after appealing their penalties.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Team Europe’s Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm beat Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas 4&3 to claim Europe’s first point in their 2025 Ryder Cup victory
Former world No.1 Lee Westwood, who resigned his DP World Tour membership after losing an arbitration award in 2023: “It will be interesting to see how the DP World Tour deals with Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.
“Their appeal is due to me any time now and it will be interesting to see if their bans, fines, suspensions are consistent with the past. Troubled times and decisions coming for DPWT [DP World Tour]. Caught between a rock and a hard place.”
Watch the DP World Tour over the next four seasons exclusively live on Sky Sports, along with the next two Ryder Cups. Stream DP World Tour and more without a contract.