Pat Perez, 50, Returns to Golf as a Rookie After LIV Golf Stint

The three-time PGA Tour winner is back on the senior circuit after a controversial exit from LIV Golf.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A fragmented, abstract painting depicting a golfer's swing broken down into sharp, angular shapes and planes in muted earth tones, conveying the complexity of a veteran player's comeback.A cubist interpretation of a veteran golfer's return to the senior circuit, deconstructing the sport's movements into a dynamic geometric composition.Bradenton Today

Pat Perez, a three-time PGA Tour winner, is making his debut on the senior golf circuit this week at the Senior PGA Championship. The 50-year-old had a rocky exit from LIV Golf, where he played for three years before taking a broadcasting role. Perez is now serving a suspension that keeps him from playing on the PGA Tour Champions until 2027, but he's thankful for the opportunity to compete again.

Why it matters

Perez's return to competitive golf after his LIV Golf stint highlights the ongoing tensions and complications surrounding the breakaway league. His story illustrates the challenges faced by players who left the PGA Tour to join LIV, as they navigate a path back to mainstream professional golf.

The details

Perez, who turned 50 on March 1, was not retained by the 4Aces team following the 2024 LIV Golf season despite finishing within the top 48 players. He was then offered a TV broadcasting role with LIV in 2025, which prolonged his return to PGA Tour-sanctioned events. Perez is now suspended from playing on the PGA Tour Champions until 2027 due to his association with LIV Golf.

  • Perez turned 50 on March 1, 2026.
  • Perez will make his debut at the Senior PGA Championship on Thursday, May 23, 2026.
  • Perez is suspended from playing on the PGA Tour Champions until January 2027.

The players

Pat Perez

A three-time PGA Tour winner who played for LIV Golf for three years before taking a broadcasting role, and is now making his debut on the senior golf circuit.

Paul Goydos

A longtime PGA Tour player who questioned whether Perez had actually turned 50 in advance of his debut this week.

Mike Hartford

Perez's longtime caddie, who is reunited with him for his senior golf debut.

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What they’re saying

“I knew when I was signing with LIV, it could be over. I knew it. It's why it took me a week to decide whether to go or not. I didn't think there would be any chance [to come back]. So I had to take that into consideration ... but I wouldn't do anything over, except maybe TV.”

— Pat Perez

“I was disappointed. They didn't tell me for months and that part wasn't right. So I was a little upset by it. That kind of sucked. The communication was a little off. But I have no ill will towards anybody. I had a great time. I had a blast, I did. It was incredible the way they treat you.”

— Pat Perez

What’s next

Perez can only play the Senior PGA Championship this week, the U.S. Senior Open in July, and the Senior Open Championship at Gleneagles. He is undecided about playing DP World Tour or Asian Tour events to get ready for next year.

The takeaway

Perez's return to competitive golf after his controversial LIV Golf stint highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the breakaway league and the challenges faced by players who left the PGA Tour. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding the rules and implications of such decisions.