Pat Perez remains in contention at the ISPS HANDA Senior Open Championship despite a one-year PGA Tour suspension. The 50-year-old former LIV Golf player fired a third-round 67 to reach a tie for sixth. He aims to build on strong senior major results ahead of a PGA Tour Champions career.
Perez joined LIV Golf in 2022 but left after the 2024 season. He requested PGA Tour reinstatement in January 2026, triggering a suspension that ends on January 1, 2027. While waiting, he received permission to compete in select 2026 senior majors.
The Californian tied for fifth at the Senior PGA Championship in April and placed eighth at the U.S. Senior Open earlier this month. At Gleneagles he posted a second-round 75 before improving sharply with the 67 on Saturday.
After the round Perez told reporters the experience felt unexpected. “I’ve played three majors this year. It’s so nice to be back. I didn’t think there was ever going to be a path for me to get back,” he said. He added that shorter senior courses allow him to reach positions he has not seen in years.
Perez plans to focus on the PGA Tour Champions next year once eligible. Sunday’s final round at Gleneagles will decide his latest senior major finish.