#40 Pat Perez

Home Course: Papago Golf Club – Phoenix, Arizona (public)

The Rebel of the Public Golf Scene

Pat Perez is one of the most colorful characters in modern professional golf, unapologetically himself, never afraid to speak his mind, and fiercely loyal to his roots. He didn’t come from the manicured fairways of an exclusive club. He grew up grinding on public golf in the Arizona desert, honing a ball-striking game that would take him to multiple PGA Tour wins and a long, consistent career against the best in the world.

From his muni start at Papago Golf Club to a reputation as one of the most relatable pros on tour, Perez represents the attitude side of the Muni Kids ethos, talented, scrappy, and never pretending to be anything he’s not.

Papago Golf Club: The Desert Muni Forge

Born in 1976 in Phoenix, Arizona, Perez first picked up a club at Papago Golf Club, one of the state’s premier municipal layouts. Papago was (and still is) known for its affordable rates, accessibility, and championship-caliber design, a course where public golfers could feel like they were playing something truly special without breaking the bank.

For Perez, Papago wasn’t just a golf course; it was the neighborhood proving ground. The course played long and tough for a junior golfer, with firm desert conditions, deep bunkers, and tricky greens that rewarded precision. Perez learned to adapt, developing the creative shot-making skills that became his trademark.

The Public Course Grind

Like most muni kids, Perez didn’t have a swing coach traveling with him or access to elite-level training facilities in his earliest years. He had buckets of range balls, time on the putting green, and an environment where older players were quick to offer both advice and trash talk.

That early exposure to real-world golf, not sanitized, perfect-condition golf, gave Perez:

• Thick skin for the mental battles of professional golf.
• Shot creativity from dealing with desert lies, wind, and firm fairways.
• A competitive edge sharpened in casual money games and local tournaments.

College Years and Rise to the PGA Tour

Perez’s talent earned him a spot at Arizona State University, a powerhouse golf program. At ASU, he further refined his game while staying true to his public-course work ethic. After turning pro in 1997, Perez spent several years grinding on mini-tours and the then-Nationwide Tour before earning his PGA Tour card in 2002.

PGA Tour Career Highlights

• PGA Tour Wins: 3 (2009 Bob Hope Classic, 2016 OHL Classic at Mayakoba, 2017 CIMB Classic)
• Best Major Finish: T6 – 2005 PGA Championship
• FedEx Cup Career Earnings: Over $28 million

Perez’s first win came in 2009 at the Bob Hope Classic, a victory that was particularly sweet after years of near-misses. His later wins in 2016 and 2017 showcased his resilience, bouncing back from injury and career doubts.

The Personality Factor

What sets Perez apart isn’t just his ability to shoot low scores, it’s his authenticity. In a sport where many players speak in rehearsed clichés, Perez speaks his mind. He’s known for his humor, his laid-back style off the course, and his willingness to admit that he plays the game because he loves it and it pays the bills.

That attitude resonates deeply with muni golfers, who appreciate that he’s never forgotten where he came from.

The LIV Golf Chapter

In 2022, Perez made headlines by joining the LIV Golf League, becoming part of the 4Aces GC team alongside Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Talor Gooch. While controversial, the move fit Perez’s brand, willing to take chances, willing to be different, and never afraid of critics.

Giving Back to the Game

Perez has supported junior golf programs in Arizona and often returns to Papago Golf Club for events and appearances. He’s open about the fact that public courses like Papago gave him everything he needed to make it in golf, a message he shares with young players who might think they need private-club access to succeed.

Why He’s #40 on the Countdown

Pat Perez is a reminder that golf isn’t only for those who fit the mold. He grew up on a public golf course, built a long and lucrative career, and kept his individuality intact. His career arc, from desert muni kid to PGA Tour winner to LIV Golf, shows that talent plus personality can carve out a lasting legacy in the game.

In the Muni Kids Muni 50, Perez represents the unapologetic muni grinder who refuses to conform, and makes it work.

Key Stats

• Born: March 1, 1976 – Phoenix, AZ
• Public Course Roots: Papago Golf Club, Phoenix, AZ
• Professional Wins: 3 PGA Tour
• Major Highlights: T6 – 2005 PGA Championship

Quote

“I grew up on a public course. I know the grind. You just keep showing up, keep hitting balls, and eventually, you find your way.” – Pat Perez