LIV Golf confirms shock signing of three-time DP World Tour winner ahead of 2026 season

Victor Perez has become the latest high-profile European to jump ship to LIV Golf, with The Times’ Tom Kershaw first breaking the news in an eye-catching reveal on X.

“Exclusive: Victor Perez, three-times DP World Tour winner, is joining LIV Golf. He will play for Cleeks GC,” Kershaw wrote on X / Twitter. 

Victor Perez to LIV Golf 

Kershaw was the first to break news of Perez's move to LIV Golf.

The breakaway league then officially confirmed the transfer in a press release a couple of hours later. 

Cleeks GC themselves had already teased a major announcement earlier in the day.

The Cleeks GC social media team had posted a cryptic graphic with the words: A new chapter begins. 11.19.25.

But after Kershaw's tweet went viral, Cleeks and LIV Golf decided to bring forward the announcement. 

The Frenchman's LIV Golf signing fell on the same day that LIV Golf also confirmed a shock new presenter for their coverage. 

Perez joins Kaymer, Bland and Meronk in revamped Cleeks lineup

Cleeks GC, led by two-time major champion Martin Kaymer, already includes Richard Bland and Adrian Meronk.

Perez, 33, will now round out Kaymer's team for 2026. 

He will be a straght swap for Frederik Kjettrup, who was relegated from LIV this season after finishing inside the dreaded drop zone.

"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. 

"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."

Captain Kaymer said: "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."

The Frenchman has won three times on the DP World Tour. 

Perez won his first title at the 2019 Alfred Dunhill Links at St Andrews.

He then added further victories at the 2022 Dutch Open and 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. 

Perez has competed in 17 majors, with a best finish of T12 at the 2023 PGA Championship.

Perez WD from RSM Classic

Perez was initially in the field for this week's RSM Classic, the final event of the 2025 PGA Tour season.

But he has since withdrawn from the field.

Perez has been replaced by Tommy Gainey. 

The Frenchman was sitting 108th in the FedEx Cup standings on the eve of the final event.

The top 100 players earn their PGA Tour cards for 2026.

But that of course matters little to Perez now, as all PGA Tour members with ties to LIV Golf become suspended on the PGA Tour. 

The RSM Classic has a $7m prize purse, with $1.3m going to the winner.

Busy week of movement 

Perez’s move arrives 24 hours after bunkered revealed Henrik Stenson—who was relegated from LIV this season—has paid off his fines and will rejoin the DP World Tour in 2026.

It’s yet another twist in Stenson’s rollercoaster journey, having famously surrendered his Ryder Cup captaincy when he defected to LIV in 2022.

The new 2026 DP World Tour season gets underway at next week's Australian PGA Championship, a week before the Australian Open where Rory McIlroy will be in action. 

The 2026 LIV Golf League starts in the first week of February in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

LIV Golf recently confirmed it's switching from 54 to 72 holes for its 2026 season.