Why prominent pro LIV announced a sudden retirement

Just a few years ago, Chilean professional Mito Pereira seemed to have one of the brightest futures in golf. He had earned a PGA Tour promotion in impressive fashion and was one hole away from being a major champion before joining LIV Golf.

But now we know what looked like Pereira’s breakout year coming to an end after the young pro announced his sudden retirement from LIV and pro golf this week.

Here’s what you need to know.

Mite Pereira shocks with early retirement from golf professional

In his short time in the spotlight, Pereira made a significant impact.

In 2019, he played his first major and won a bronze medal for Chile at the Pan American Games, a feat he almost repeated at the Tokyo Olympics, where he finished T3 and lost in a playoff for bronze.

But the 2020/2021 season was his real breakthrough. Playing on the Korn Ferry Tour, Pereira won three times, including back-to-back events in June 2021. The winning streak earned him an immediate promotion to the PGA Tour.

He claimed a solitary third in his first tournament start following promotion to the 2021 Fortinet Championship.

But the high point of Pereira’s career, and perhaps the lowest moment, came at the 2022 PGA Championship. There, the rising star built a three-shot lead heading into the final round at Quail Hollow. He struggled on Sunday but still had a one-shot lead standing on the 18th ball.

A double bogey followed, leaving him out of a playoff for the Wanamaker Trophy.

In 2023, Pereira decided to retire from the PGA Tour and join LIV Golfwhich at the time seemed like a huge win for the league. But Pereira fought in LIV, eventually finishing 51st in 2025 to be relegated.

Which brings us to this week. Although he had lost his place at LIV, Pereira is still only 30 years old, with his prime playing days apparently still ahead of him.

That’s why it came as a surprise when he announced his retirement from the game on Tuesday.

“After many years associated with this beautiful sport, priorities evolve naturally. Today, my main desire is to leave constant travel, return to Chile and focus on my personal life.” Pereira wrote in a post on Instagram.

In his lengthy announcement, Pereira also wrote, “I have unforgettable memories with me,” listing his victories at Korn Ferry, his time on the PGA Tour and LIV and appearances on Chile’s national teams.

Ultimately, Pereira explained that his decision was based on two things. One, ending the endless commute required of a professional golfer and, two, spending more time with his family.

“I have spent many years living away from home, in another country, countless weeks in hotels and airports. Now, the time has come to stop,” he wrote. “Chile is my place in the world and my family is my reason for being. Golf has taught me resilience, how to navigate the good and bad times, and how to make discipline and goals a way of life. I believe I am well prepared for what lies ahead.”

You can read Pereira’s full statement below.

Mito Pereira’s full retirement statement

After many years associated with this beautiful sport, priorities naturally evolve. Today, my main desire is to leave 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, meet incredible people, experience different cultures and set goals – most of which I was lucky enough to achieve – taking steps I never imagined possible. Now I start a new chapter feeling happy, motivated and calm, with no urgency about what the future may bring. I just want you to know that I am fine and proud of what I have accomplished in this sport.

I carry with me unforgettable memories: the three Korn Ferry Tour titles that earned me a spot on the PGA Tour; my time on the LIV tour, where I discovered many destinations and really 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 missing out on an Olympic medal in Tokyo 2020 are moments that will remain forever in my memory and in my heart.

I would like to thank Anton, my family and all my friends, in and out of golf. I am also deeply grateful to my manager, coach, team, sponsors who believed in the process and the many fans who always made me feel loved. Throughout this long journey, many people supported me and contributed to my development, and I will always be grateful 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 stop. Chile is my place in the world and my family is my reason for being. Golf taught me resilience, how to navigate good and bad times, and how to make discipline and goals a way of life. I believe I am well prepared for what lies ahead.” – Mito Pereira