[Picture: Christian Petersen]
LIV Golf player Mito Pereira has retired from the sport at 30.
Pereira announced his decision through his former LIV team, Torque GC.
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“After many years connected to this beautiful sport, priorities naturally evolve. Today, my main desire is to step away from constant travel, return to Chile, and focus on my personal life,” Pereira said in a statement. “Golf played a fundamental role in my life. It allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, to meet incredible people, experience different cultures, and set goals – most of which I was fortunate enough to achieve – taking steps I never imagined possible. I now begin a new chapter feeling happy, motivated, and at peace, without urgency about what the future may bring. I simply want you to know that I am well and proud of what I accomplished in this sport.”
Pereira won 13 professional worldwide titles, including three on the Korn Ferry Tour during the 2020-21 season. He became just the 12th player in the development circuit’s history to earn the “battlefield promotion,” an instant jump to the PGA Tour. That year he also finished T-3 at the Summer Olympics, ultimately losing the bronze medal in a seven-way playoff.
He is best known for his infamous finish in the 2022 PGA Championship. He entered the final round with a three-shot lead and held a one-stroke advantage heading into the 72nd hole at Southern Hills. However, Pereira produced an untimely push off the tee and his drive found a creek. Following a one-shot penalty, his approach sailed over the green and he failed to get up-and-down, carding a double-bogey to miss a playoff by one shot.
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Soon after competing for the International team at the 2022 Presidents Cup, Pereira signed with the upstart Saudi-backed league, LIV Golf. He finished 8th in his first season at LIV, but his career was never the same after the move. He struggled in 2024 and 2025, leading to relegation for the 2026 season.
“I spent many years living away from home, in another country, countless weeks in hotels and airports. Now, the time has come to pause,” Pereira said. “Chile is my place in the world, and my family is my reason for being. Golf taught me resilience, how to navigate both good and difficult moments, and how to make discipline and goals a way of life. I believe I am well prepared for what lies ahead. Thank you all.”
