By Tod Leonard
Pat Perez has said he removed himself from the lawsuit that LIV Golf players have brought against the PGA Tour.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Perez said: “I have no ill feelings toward the PGA Tour or any of the players. I’m a LIV guy 100 per cent. I’m going to play for them. But I don’t feel any need to go after the PGA Tour. They gave me a wonderful opportunity for 21 years. I’ve got nothing against them, no hard feelings toward anybody. I earned everything I got out there, don’t get me wrong.

“I chose to leave and I’m not looking to come back. I’d like to maybe play the Champions Tour one day if that can work out and that’s why I have not given up my membership. But there is no benefit to doing this. I have an unbelievable deal with LIV and I’m behind them 100 per cent.’’

Eleven players were originally part of the lawsuit, but now Perez and Carlos Ortiz have opted out. On Thursday US District Judge Beth L Freeman set a tentative date for summary judgment for July 23, 2023, where the PGA Tour will likely seek to dismiss the case, with a trial date expected to begin on January 8, 2024.

Only four years away from being eligible for PGA Tour Champions, Perez signed a four-year deal with LIV earlier this year, and in the two tournaments he’s played, the 46-year-old has earned just over $1.8 million.

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