Double P :: The Official Blog

This past month could've gone either way for Pat Perez.

Instead of the standard "R&R" one experiences with four weeks off, Perez "relaxed" the only way he knows how; by staying on the go.

Chargers games. A few treks to Palm Desert to work with Coach. Down time with friends. It helps him stay focused as one final four-week run remains.

The difference between a 'good' season and a great one.

$1.4M on the year and you're keeping your card. The heat is off. A few good weeks over the next four, top 60 becomes top 30 and you're now booked every weekend there's a major next year.

One great week and a trophy is finally hoisted.

Turning Stone was a step in the right direction. Three rounds under par and one even. Six-under on the week, three off the winner and T10th; Perez's first top ten since May (6th - Colonial).

For the first time in a long time, the 'pressure' is off. After a few months in the lab, Perez gets a handful of under the radar events to try out his new game. The post-FedExCup era is underway. Football reigns supreme in fall and Major League Baseball finally has meaning. The PGA is in the rearview until next year's west coast swing.

Under the radar. That's how it'll happen. For a rookie everyone saw fall apart on the 72nd hole of his second pro event, few will be watching when things finally come full circle. Which is probably how the seven-year pro would prefer it.

For the low-key, family and friend-oriented Perez, there couldn't be three more tailor made (Taylor, for the suits) events and P.P.-style environments to get it done:

- Up next, the Valero Texas Open and staying with longtime-bud Tommy Armour III, who won the event in 2003.

- From there, Summerlin (aka - J.T.S.H.F.C.O) and an eventful week in Vegas. Friends and fam in town, some home cooking and the ideal spot for a victory soiree.

- Grayhawk? No place like home. A win, a celebratory bar-b-que and asleep in your own bed. It's almost too fitting.

Seven years ago Perez was the Q-school medalist. On a week when no one was looking, the then Buy.com pro strung together a 67-68-63-70-65 run, the third-lowest ever Q-school total.

Under the radar. When they're not paying attention.

That's when it happened before and if the golf gods have a sense of humor, that's how it happens again.