A 30-year-old golfer has decided to step away from the professional game, announcing his retirement after spending most of the last three years with LIV Golf.
The recent PNC Championship was another reminder that some golfers remain competitive well into their later years. Lee Trevino, for example, recently turned 86 and continues to impress.
But not everyone follows that same path.
This particular player chose to retire after being relegated from LIV Golf earlier this season.
Mito Pereira calls time on his golf career after LIV exit at 30
Mito Pereira spent his time with LIV Golf playing for Torque. His move was seen as a significant loss for the PGA Tour, especially as more international players began to join the breakaway league.
Back in 2022, Pereira held a one-shot lead standing on the 72nd tee at the PGA Championship before a double bogey ended his chances of lifting the trophy.
2025 did not go any better for him. A tie for 13th in Chicago was his best result, and he lost his place in the league by year’s end.
Amid LIV Golf’s plan to enforce relegation this year, Abraham Ancer took Pereira’s spot on Torque. Still, a potential avenue for the Chilean golfer to reclaim his place existed through the Promotions Event.
But instead of chasing another opportunity elsewhere, he made it official on Monday that he is stepping away from professional golf altogether.
Mito Pereira speaks on why he is retiring from professional golf
After the retirement announcement, Pereira took to social media to share a detailed message explaining his choice.
He revealed that it was not a sudden decision and that life on the road played a big part in his thinking.
Pereira indicated that he plans to return home to Chile and focus on life outside of golf.
“I’m writing these lines to share that, after a period of reflection, I have decided to bring my career as a professional golfer to an end. 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.
“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.
“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.”
The news marks an early end for Pereira’s playing days but given his age there is always time for another chapter down the line if he ever feels ready again.
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