LIV Golf player Mito Pereira has retired from active golf at the age of 30.
Pereira announced the decision through his former LIV team, Torque GC.
“After many years of involvement with this beautiful sport, priorities naturally evolve. Today, my main wish is to take a break from frequent travel, return to Chile and focus on my personal life,” Pereira said in a statement. “Golf has played a fundamental role in my life. It has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, meet amazing people, experience different cultures, and set goals, most of which I have been lucky enough to take steps I never could have imagined.” I am now starting a new chapter feeling happy, motivated and at peace with what the future holds. I just want you to know that I am energized and proud of what I have accomplished in this sport.”
advertisement
Pereira has won 13 professional worldwide titles, including three on the Korn Ferry Tour in the 2020-21 season. He became the 12th player in the development circuit’s history to earn the “Battlefield Promotion,” an immediate jump to the PGA Tour. He also finished tied for third place at the Summer Olympics that year, missing out on the bronze medal in a seven-way playoff.
The Chilean is best known for his infamous finish at the 2022 PGA Championship. He entered the final round with a three-stroke lead and held a one-stroke advantage heading into the 72nd hole at Southern Hills. But Pereira pushed off his tee shot at the wrong time and his drive hit a creek. After receiving a one-shot penalty, his approach went over the green and he failed to get up and down, making double bogey and missing out on the playoffs by one stroke.
Immediately after playing for the international team in the 2022 Presidents Cup, Pereira signed with the Saudi-backed upstart league LIV Golf. He finished his first season with LIV in 8th place, but his career after the transfer was never the same. He struggled in 2024 and 2025, leading to his demotion for the 2026 season.
“I spent years away from home in other countries, weeks in hotels and airports, and now it’s time to stop,” Pereira said. “Chile is my place in the world and my family is my reason for being. Golf has taught me resilience, how to overcome good times and difficult times, and how to make discipline and purpose a way of life. I believe I am well prepared for what is to come. Thank you to everyone.”
