In a heartbreaking post, LIV golfer Pat Perez said on Monday that his younger brother Mike, who was 43, has died.
“This is the saddest day of my life,” Perez, 47, wrote on Instagram. “My little brother Mikey has passed. I don’t know what to say as I thought this day would never come. We had so much fun together growing up and he was always in my corner. We did everything together. He wanted nothing but my happiness and was so proud of me. He was the life of the party.
“Everyone that knew him loved him and he was always happy and upbeat. It’s hard to believe that I won’t be able to call him anymore and we won’t be able to spend time with each other. He was such a big part of my life and losing him is beyond devastating. I’m really at a loss for words. Gonna be a long life without him in it. I Love you little brother.”
The Perez’s father, Tony Perez, posted about Mike’s death on Twitter and said, “Sleep with the angels my beautiful son. I will miss you forever!”
The cause of Mike Perez’s death has not been disclosed.
Pat Perez ended his post with, “I hope we get to see each other again one day and I hope you find your peace.”
Pat and Mike Perez were high-profile players on the junior golf scene while growing up in San Diego. They both attended Torrey Pines High School, and there is an old family story, told by their dad, that when Pat beat Tiger Woods at Torrey Pines in the 1993 Junior World Championships, the brothers were wrestling on the grass when it came time for Pat to receive his trophy. Mike initially pursued a professional golf career like Pat. But he did not share his brother’s talent. In 2010, he played in one event each on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour, missing the cut in both.
Pat Perez is a three-time PGA Tour winner who played 515 events on the circuit until he moved over to LIV Golf in 2022.