Pat Perez, the outspoken American professional golfer known for his three PGA Tour victories and his subsequent defection to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league, has often made headlines for his on-course antics and blunt commentary. However, in recent years, the spotlight has shifted significantly to his personal life, particularly his tumultuous relationship with his now-estranged wife, Ashley Perez. Their story, which began with a glamorous New Year’s Eve wedding in 2015, has unfolded into a very public and contentious divorce, complete with social media jabs, legal battles over their children, and even allegations involving one of golf’s biggest names.
Ashley Perez, an influencer with a significant social media presence, was a constant and vocal presence at her husband’s tournaments and a staunch defender of his controversial move to LIV Golf. The couple, who reside in Scottsdale, Arizona, seemed to be a solid team. However, the fairy tale began to crumble in late 2023, leading to a divorce filing that would expose deep fractures in their marriage and ignite a series of public disputes.
The Marriage and the Messy Divorce
The union between Pat Perez and Ashley Perez officially came to an end when Ashley filed a petition for dissolution of marriage in Maricopa County, Arizona, on November 29, 2023. The filing came after nine years of marriage, and the court documents painted a bleak picture, stating that “the parties’ marriage is irretrievably broken with no reasonable prospect for reconciliation”.
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The news of the split was soon followed by a flurry of activity on social media, where the couple had deleted pictures of each other. Ashley, never one to shy away from expressing her feelings, took to Instagram to seemingly take shots at her soon-to-be-ex-husband. She reposted a video about a narcissistic partner, adding “Sounds familiar”, and shared a video of herself with a golf ball, captioned “Ashley version 2.0,” signaling her readiness to move on.
The divorce proceedings quickly became a battleground over their two kids. Ashley’s filing requested that she be awarded “sole legal decision-making for the minor children” and that her home be designated as the primary residence. In response, Pat’s attorneys pushed back, requesting “joint legal decision-making for and equal parenting time with the children”. This public and acrimonious split was further complicated by a resurfaced incident from 2015 involving Pat’s former friend and fellow LIV golfer, Phil Mickelson. In a detailed account, Ashley alleged that Mickelson, while hosting the couple at his villa, showed her an explicit photo of himself and propositioned her.
This incident became a poorly kept secret on the Tour and was a source of deep animosity for Pat, who stated he had an “uncrossable and unforgivable” hate for Mickelson. Ashley later revealed the story publicly, stating she wanted to give other women the courage to share their truths.
Children and Family Life
Throughout their marriage and into the divorce, the most important constant has been their two kids. The couple shares a daughter named Piper and a son named Paxton. Ashley and Pat Perez have been together since 2014, and their family life was often showcased on Ashley’s social media, filled with images of travel, cooking, and golf. The children have been at the center of the divorce proceedings, with both parents seeking favorable custody arrangements.
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Despite the turmoil, Ashley has often presented herself as a dedicated mother. The divorce filing and subsequent public statements have shown her determination to secure primary custody. Pat, who has earned over $14 million since joining LIV Golf in 2022, has also sought to maintain a significant role in his kids’ lives, requesting equal parenting time. The outcome of their custody battle will likely shape the next chapter for the Perez family.
The saga of Pat Perez and Ashley Perez serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a high-profile marriage can unravel under the pressures of public life, financial disputes, and personal grievances. From a couple who seemed to have it all, they are now navigating a painful divorce that has played out in the public eye, with their children’s future hanging in the balance.
