Even though there was little chance Mito Pereira would return to LIV Golf in 2026, it was still a real surprise when he decided to retire from the game entirely.
Pereira had a tough 2025 campaign, with his best showing being a tie for 13th place in Chicago. He finished the season without keeping his spot on the tour.
While some thought he might try to work his way back through the Promotions Event, Torque had already moved forward by signing Abraham Ancer as his replacement.
The 30-year-old has now officially called time on his playing days.
Mito Pereira’s retirement adds to LIV Golf’s growing list of issues
Pereira shared in his announcement that he plans to head back home to Chile.
For those who have followed his journey, the news may not be entirely unexpected. Pereira once stepped away from the sport as a teenager, taking two years off after losing interest.
But even so, it points to another problem that LIV Golf may need to address.
The current offseason has not been kind to LIV. The days of landing high-profile signings seem to be behind them for now.
Several factors are keeping players from making the switch. The PGA Tour is still seen as the main stage outside the majors, and getting into majors is more difficult through LIV.
However, Pereira’s retirement is another example of an issue that often goes unnoticed.
The risk of leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf is higher than ever
It would not be surprising if Pereira was more motivated to keep playing if there was a clear way back into PGA Tour action. Right now, though, returning players face bans from immediate participation.
Hudson Swafford has spoken about being told he couldn’t return until 2027 after his time with LIV Golf ended in 2024.
Other routes exist – Henrik Stenson is expected to join the DP World Tour again next year, and the Asian Tour remains an option – but Pereira will not be taking any of them.
Not every player will follow that path. For instance, Brooks Koepka’s future remains uncertain. If Koepka leaves LIV Golf, there is speculation he could spend time on the DP World Tour first.
But anyone thinking about leaving the PGA Tour now has plenty of reasons for caution beyond just how hard it is getting into majors via LIV memberships or schedules alone.
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