Golf
Dustin Johnson faces LIV Golf dilemma as teammate risks double departure
Dustin Johnson and Pat Perez have been LIV Golf teammates since the breakaway league was formed, but the latter is at risk of being relegated with three events left to play
Dustin Johnson may see his LIV Golf teammate Pat Perez drop out of the league, with the American currently teetering on the edge of the breakaway league’s relegation zone with only three events remaining.
Johnson has had a successful run with the 4Aces since joining the LIV setup, with his team being named the inaugural team champions in 2022. This winning streak continued into the second season, with Johnson and his team leading the pack into last year’s team championship, before being dethroned by Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers in October.
But the All-American team, which includes Johnson, Perez, Patrick Reed and Harold Varner III, have not been able to replicate their impressive form from 2022 in 2024. The former champions are currently ranked 10th out of 13 teams.
Much of their previous success can be attributed to Johnson, but he has not been able to maintain his high standards this year, despite claiming one victory in Las Vegas. This leaves him in 11th place in the individual standings, while his teammate Perez is struggling in 47th place, just two spots above the relegation zone.
The four players who finish the season below the cut line – and are not already exempt for the next season – will be relegated from the breakaway league and lose their playing rights for 2025. This is undoubtedly a concern for Perez, who relinquished his PGA Tour card to join LIV two years ago.
Perez certainly turned heads in Nashville last week, tying for 14th at eight-under-par in the 54-hole tournament. It marked only his second top-15 finish in a LIV tournament this season, with his previous best coming in Vegas.
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His teammate Varner III is also hovering near the cut line, sandwiched between Perez and the three-time PGA Tour winner’s precarious position. After a period of uncertainty, Perez’s career prospects got a lift when he was re-signed by his captain Johnson for 2024, making him the first free agent in LIV Golf history to ink a new deal.
At the time, an elated Perez commented: “Couldn’t be more excited. It’s phenomenal to remain a part of LIV. I’m very grateful.”
Following a 2023 season that saw him notch three individual top-10s in 12 starts, the Arizona native reflected on his performance and future: “I think DJ saw the effort. And I think he likes having me on the team. I’m honored to get the deal and have another year. I’m going to try just as hard next season, if not harder.”
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