Double P :: The Official Blog

by Tod Leonard, San Diego Union Tribune

Pat Perez has made the changes in his life and game, he says, because, "I was tired of being nobody." Now, after his first victory on tour in the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, he's dreaming of higher accomplishments that definitely would put him into golf's upper echelon.

Other than more wins, first on his list is playing for U.S. captain Fred Couples in this year's Presidents Cup.

"I saw a lot of him this offseason, and he's told me I better make the team because he's not picking me, because I always make fun of him," Perez said, laughing. "He said, 'You better make the team, because I'm not picking you, even if you're 11.' "

The top 10 points earners automatically qualify. So far, so good. The win moved Perez from 36th to ninth on the U.S. points list.

In the world golf rankings, Perez climbed 31 spots from 90th to 59th, and he'll play in his second straight Accenture Match Play if he can hold or improve on that position. Last year, he lost 1-up in the first round to fellow San Diegan Phil Mickelson.

Perez also earned a spot in next year's Mercedes-Benz Championship in Maui.

"I'm going to Kapalua, finally," Perez said. "I've been (complaining) about not going there for so long. But I'm going. I cannot wait.

"I'm looking forward to this year. I see some good things coming. I would like to win two, three times. The way I played this week, I don't see why it couldn't happen."