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LIV Golf competitor Mito Pereira announced that he will retire from professional golf on Monday and return to Chile to focus on his personal life.
Pereira is only 30 years old. He joined LIV Golf in 2023 and was at Torque GC with fellow Chilean golf star Joaquín Niemann.
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Mito Pereira plays his shot from the ninth tee during the first round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on August 11, 2023. (Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)
“I write these lines to share that, after a period of reflection, I have decided to end my career as a professional golfer,” he said in a statement posted on Instagram. “This was not a decision that was made overnight, but one that I have been considering carefully for some time, waiting for the right moment to communicate it.
“After many years linked to this beautiful sport, priorities evolve naturally. Today, my main wish is to get away from constant travel, return to Chile and focus on my personal life.
“Golf played a pivotal role in my life. It allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, meet incredible people, experience different cultures and set goals, most of which I was fortunate to achieve, taking steps I never imagined possible. Now I begin a new chapter feeling happy, motivated and at peace, with no urgency about what the future holds. I just want you to know that I am doing well and proud of what I accomplished in this sport.”
Mito Pereira on the 17th hole at The Old White at Greenbrier on August 18, 2024. (Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports)
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Pereira earned three victories on the Korn Ferry Tour before receiving his PGA Tour card. He also obtained eight victories in the Tour of Chile.
He played in several majors, tying for third at the 2022 PGA Championship. He also finished tied for third at the Tokyo Olympics, but lost a playoff for the bronze medal.
Pereira recalled those moments in his statement.
“I would like to thank Anto, my family and all my friends, inside and outside of golf,” he added. “I am also deeply grateful to my manager, coach, team, sponsors who trusted the process and the many fans who always made me feel loved. Throughout this long journey, many people supported and contributed to my development, and I will always be grateful to them.
Mito Pereira watches during a LIV Golf Miami practice round at Trump National Doral on April 2, 2024. (Sam Navarro/USA TODAY Sports)
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“I spent many years living far from home, in another country, countless weeks in hotels and airports. Now the time has come to take a break. Chile is my place in the world and my family is my reason for being. Golf taught me resilience, to navigate both the good and difficult times, and to make discipline and goals a way of life. I believe I am well prepared for what is to come.”
