Read more: 16 LIV Golf Players Qualify for 2024 British Open Field at Royal Troon

Controversial American golfer Pat Perez, one of the first players of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, is at risk of being relegated from the breakaway league following a dismal season on the course.

Perez was one of the first players to make the high-profile switch to LIV Golf in 2022, signing a $10 million (£7.9 million) contract. However, his form this year has seen him plummet down the individual player standings.

The 48-year-old currently sits a lowly 47th in the season-long rankings, just outside the relegation zone. With only three events remaining, Perez is under pressure to pick up his performances or face an early exit from Greg Norman's rebel circuit.

His struggles come after his public criticism of Tiger Woods seemed to backfire. When joining LIV, Perez hit out at comments made by Woods questioning players' competitive spirit outside of cuts and guaranteed money.

Pat Perez and Tiger Woods at the 2020 PGA Championship/ Getty Images

Perez blasted Woods, saying the 15-time major winner only played limited tournaments and questioned his dedication to certain events. 

"The incentive is the fact that last place is $120,000, first place is $4 million. You cannot win $4 million on the PGA Tour."

"Now, next year you might; they finally got the perks. But last time I checked, he signed a $40 million deal right out of college and was flying on the Nike jet. He found incentive. He could have shut it down right then. He had a lot of guarantees. You know what, and he was the hottest thing."

"He's made so much money off the course, he found incentive to go. But again, he only played how many tournaments. He didn't go - I never saw him at John Deere, never saw him supporting all these events. He played in the majors, he played in the WGCs and that was it."

"He played Torrey. Never played Riv. But he's worth every dime. In fact, like I said, he's two billion short of where he should be, I think."

However, two years on, it is Perez whose future looks uncertain. Once a three-time PGA Tour winner, he is now at risk of dropping out of LIV Golf in its second season following a subpar campaign.

The American did show signs of improvement last week by finishing tied 14th in Nashville. But more top results will be needed in Spain, the UK and West Virginia if he is to avoid the ignominy of relegation from the breakaway circuit he helped establish.

For Perez, his scathing remarks about Woods' record now seem ill-advised. Unless he finds form quickly, it will be the LIV veteran who exits earlier than expected, underscoring how quickly fortunes can change in professional golf.

References: https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/golf/liv-golf-tiger-woods-perez-33139834

Find more Golf Brands you would like: