InsideTheRopes.com caught up with Pat Perez after his final round at this year's John Deere Classic and talked with the PGA Tour pro about his travel plans and game plan for this year's British Open at Royal Birkshire.
Checking in from Silvis this week. Coming off a T12th finish down at the AT&T. Had a good week there, but could've done better. Working on some new things right now and it'll take some time to get it all straightened out. The confidence is coming along and I'm feeling like things are gonna start rolling soon. I'm not pulling off every shot, but it's getting easier to do what I need to do.
Took the train out of DC last Sunday and headed up to Philly to meet with (Pat) Burrell and (Mark) Mulder. The Cards were in town to play the Phillies, so it was a good chance to catch up with the guys. We don't see each other much during the season and it's pretty rare we're all in the same place at the same time outside of Scottsdale, so I had to make the push.
Crazy time to be in Philly. The whole town is in 'Burrell mode' as they're rallying to get him in the All Star game. Fun time to be up there and to check all that out.
I've gotten out to a few games there the past few years, so it's become a home away from home. I get to take BP, toss the ball around and hang out with the guys. Frank Coppenbarger runs the clubhouse and they hooked me up with my own permanent locker next to Burrell's. They gave me my own jersey and gear. It's a trip. The Phillies guys always take good care of me and are great hosts. Can't wait to get back.
I headed over to Silvis on Wednesday morning, played the Pro-Am and was ready to go on Thursday. I'm playing pretty good right now and hope to get everything dialed in for the British next week. Really fired up to get over there. I moved up to 51st in the World Rankings, so I was headed that way even before Luke (Donald) withdrew. I was first alternate, so odds are you're getting in for an overseas event like that.
Headed out Sunday night and hoping for a good week. Bringing my guy Joey (Diovisalvi) over so we can train and keep me loose all week. I'm also set up to play the practice round with Mark O'Meara, which is solid because he won at Royal Birkdale back in 1998 and obviously knows the course. Hopefully that helps me get a lay of the land going into next week.
Leaving the Mac home next week, so I'll drop a line when I'm back in the states.
It's oft been said that one man's misfortune can be another man's gain. Such is the case for Luke Donald and Pat Perez.
Three weeks ago Donald felt a 'pop' in his wrist on the 15th tee of the final round of the U.S. Open and has been sidelined since. His hiatus will continue into next week's British Open and beyond, opening the door for Perez - the first alternate, thanks to his climb in the World Rankings.
Perez jumped to 51st this week after T12th finish at last weeks AT&T National.
No stranger to injury, Perez missed the latter half of the 2006 season with tendinitis (elbow), opening the door for several others to play in his absence a few years back. This time around, the golf gods appear to be smiling on Perez, guaranteeing him a spot next week.
As first alternate, Perez was headed across the pond regardless. Today's news just makes it official that he'll be teeing it up at Royal Birkdale next week.
Congrats to PP and a speedy recovery to Luke Donald.
Pat Perez picked up where he left off after last week's T12th finish at the AT&T National, hitting the ground running at this week's John Deere Classic.
After an opening round of 67 on Thursday, PP got hot early on Friday with birdies on three of his first eight holes. A bogey on #18 had him back at -2, but an eagle on #3 had Perez -4 with seven to play. Two bogeys, a birdie and four pars would close out a solid round of 68.
Unless there are some major movers this afternoon, PP should enter Saturday in the top ten and no more than six strokes off the lead.
Pat Perez closed out this year's AT&T National at Congressional with a final round 68.
Birdies on #5, #8, #11 and #16 helped Perez get to -2 on Sunday, with bogeys on #2 and #10 being the day's lone setbacks.
Perez's average driving distance on Sunday was 301 yards, up from Saturday's round of 291. Perez average 28 putts per round, tying him for fourth amongst the field. He was also T4th regarding sand saves this week.
Next up for Double P, the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Illinois.
Pat Perez rolled his way to a second round of 67 in as many days. After opening the AT&T National with a one-over par 71, Perez has shot six-under since and enters Sunday T11th and five strokes off the lead.
Perez opened strong with birdies on #1, #5 and #7, shooting a front nine 32. Another birdie on #10 brought him to -4 on the day, but bogeys on #11 and #12 had it back to -2.
Another birdie opportunity arose on #14, getting Perez back to -3 where he'd remain after four straight pars to finish out the third round.
Sunday's tee time is 9:18am EDT and PP is paired up with Jim Furyk and Patrick Sheehan.
After a few weeks off and falling one stroke short at Monday's British Open qualifier in Deerborn (MI), Pat Perez got back to business at this week's AT&T National in Bethesda, MD.
Thursday's 71 was a an up and down round, with four bogeys and three birdies - the final coming on the par-5 ninth, getting PP back to +1 on the day.
Friday's round proved to be nearly flawless, with only a bogey on #10 and birdies on #4, #7, #14 and # 16.
Over two days, PP is averaging 26.5 putts per round, 311 yards for driving distance and 55.6 regarding greens in regulation.
PP checking in from home. Haven't had time to write lately, but finally have some down time and wanted to talk about the US Open week.
Coming back to San Diego was one of those 'dream come true' kind of things. Much was made about my history at Torrey and literally growing up on that course, but being a major it was a completely different feel. It still felt like home, but the set up made it feel brand new.
I didn't think the course was that much harder or as difficult as some made it seem. I just didn't get it done. My putting was garbage the first three days, but I sort of put it together on Sunday. I felt like I was hitting it great all week. I just wasn't putting like I should.
The experience itself was just something I was glad to be a part of. Playing in our country's official major. Back home in San Diego, with family and friends. Being one of 156 that made it in - and seeing a list of the guys who didn't. It was definitely the highlight of this season for me.
I got to Diego the weekend before and got in a few rounds at Torrey and just laid low. On Monday night we went to some Taylor Made-sponsored party at a spread in Rancho Santa Fe. Pretty insane set up there.
Tuesday I played the back nine on the south course and that night threw out the first pitch at the Padres/Dodgers game. The Taylor Made guys set that up and that was pretty solid. I pull for my Padres and my Bolts, so to get that honor as a local guy - that was definitely a thrill.
Played the front nine on Wednesday and snagged dinner that night at our local spot, Samurai, in Solana Beach. We've been tearing that place up and terrorizing Charlie (Song) for years, but we keep it low key during the work week.
Thursday through Sunday were all business. Same ol, same ol. Up early, working out with Joey D, working out/stretching, hitting the range and off to the course. Laid low every night, watched the Lakers choke away the series to Boston and watched my boy (Jason) Gore sweat it out every night, as he bleeds that purple and gold.
Hit the lake last week with some buds, off to Palm Springs today to practice and then back home until next week. I'm off to Detroit on Monday for the British Open qualifier and then to D.C. for the AT&T National. After that, the John Deere and then hopefully the British, if I get in.
That's all I got for now. I'll try to check back in soon enough.
