Nice going, Pat Perez, in getting your first tour win

It’s hard to believe that Sunday’s victory at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Hosted by Arnold Palmer in the La Quinta, Calif., area is Pat Perez’ first win. After all, it seems like we’ve heard his name a lot in his seven-year career. But sure enough, he’s been in the hunt, but never closed the deal until now.

Could it be Perez’ new demeanor that helped him get his first win? Steve Stricker’s collapse didn’t hurt either, but Perez said he just “tried to stay even-keeled,” you know, like Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and the lot.

“I just got tired of getting upset all the time,” Perez said after posting an eagle on the final hole of the Palmer Private Course at PGA West and winning the Hope. “It’s a lot of energy. I learned how the best guys do it.”

I spoke with Perez last spring at the Shell Houston Open, and one of the things that he’s done to help his temperament is connect with his fans. For the past couple of years or so, he has been involved in his interactive Web site, www.PatPerezGolf.com. He said he wanted fans to know that he’s not the angry guy he’s often perceived to be on the course, that he has interests and passions just like them.

“It’s fun,” Perez told me. “I wanted people to get a different view of me than what they see on TV.”