At the age of 30, relegated LIV Golf star Mito Pereira has declared he is retiring from golf for good, announcing his decision via his former team, Torque GC. Pereira enjoyed early success in his career, securing 13 professional worldwide titles and becoming the 12th player in Korn Ferry Tour history to earn the “battlefield promotion,” an immediate leap to the PGA Tour following three KFT victories.
The Chilean also tied for third place at the Tokyo Olympics, losing a seven-man playoff for a bronze medal, before joining LIV in 2023. “This was not a decision made overnight, but one I have been thoughtfully considering for some time, waiting for the right moment to communicate it,” Pereira stated in a statement.
“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.
“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 joined the Saudi-backed circuit after competing with the International team at the 2022 Presidents Cup. He secured eighth place in his debut season on LIV Golf but struggled to replicate that success in subsequent campaigns.
He continued: “I carry with me unforgettable memories: the three Korn Ferry Tour titles that earned me a place on the PGA Tour; my time on the LIV Tour, where I discovered many destinations and truly enjoyed competing as part of an incredible team, Team Torque; and the honor of representing Chile at the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games.
“Standing on the podium in Lima 2019 and narrowly missing an Olympic medal in Tokyo 2020 are moments that will remain forever in my memory and in my heart.
“I would like to thank Anto, my family, and all my friends, both within and beyond golf. I am also deeply grateful to my manager, coach, team, sponsors who trusted the process, and the many fans that always made me feel loved.
“Throughout this long journey, many people supported and contributed to my development, and I will always be thankful to them.
“I spent many years living away from home, in another country, countless weeks in hotels and airports. Now, the time has come to pause. 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.”
This article first appeared on Mirror US.
