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LIV Golf competitor Mito Pereira announced his retirement from professional golf on Monday and will 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 Chilean golf star Joaquin 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 am writing 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 on Instagram. “This was not a decision that was made overnight, but one I have been thoughtfully considering for some time and waiting for the right time to communicate it.
“After many years associated with this beautiful sport, priorities evolve naturally. 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 lucky enough to achieve – by taking steps I never imagined possible. I now begin a new chapter and feel happy, motivated and at peace, without the urgency of what the future may bring. sports.”
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 had three Korn Ferry Tour wins before receiving his PGA Tour card. He also had eight wins at the Chilean Tour.
He played in several majors, finishing third in the 2022 PGA Championship. He also finished 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, both 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 have supported and contributed to my development and I will always be grateful to them.
Mito Pereira looks on 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 have 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.”
