Pat Perez, recently re-signed to the 4Aces for the 2024 LIV Golf season, faces a tough challenge as he teeters just outside the drop zone with four events remaining after a difficult year.
Dustin Johnson, his LIV Golf teammate, is also struggling with his form. Despite Johnson securing a deal for the 48-year-old Perez to stay with the 4Aces just a few months ago, Perez's position is precarious.
Johnson had a remarkable first season with the 4Aces in the LIV series, winning both the individual champion title and the team championship at the $50 million finale in Miami. The team continued their success into 2023, leading the regular season leaderboard before being narrowly defeated by Crushers GC.
At the end of the 2023 season, Perez, a former PGA Tour pro, was ranked 28th and entered free agency after his initial contract with the league ended. Johnson, however, re-signed him for another year despite the uncertainty over his career.
Perez expressed his gratitude at the time, saying, "Couldn’t be more excited. It’s phenomenal to remain a part of LIV. I’m very grateful... I think DJ saw the effort. And I think he likes having me on the team. I’m honoured to get the deal and have another year. I’m going to try just as hard next season, if not harder."
Nearly a year later, Perez faces the threat of relegation, sitting just two places above the drop zone with only four regular season events left.
Last week in Nashville, Perez managed to gain some ground, finishing tied for 14th at The Grove and scoring eight-under-par over three rounds. This is only the second time he has made it into the top 15 in his nine starts on the Saudi-backed circuit this season.
The 4Aces have struggled to replicate their dominant performances from 2022 and 2023. Despite the challenges, Perez remains confident in his team's dedication and hard work.