Mito Pereira Announces His Retirement From Golf
Mito Pereira, the Chilean star who we last saw teeing it up for Torque GC on the LIV circuit, has officially called it a career. He’s retiring at the ripe old age of 30.
For context, most golfers at 30 are just figuring out how to keep their drives in the fairway. Pereira, however, has decided he’s seen enough fairways for one lifetime. In a statement that felt equal parts reflective and relieved, Pereira announced on Monday that he’s trading in his spikes.
A Career Of Highs, Lows, and That 18th Hole
If you follow golf, you know the name. Pereira turned pro in 2015 and racked up 13 professional wins, including a trio of victories on the Korn Ferry Tour that punched his ticket to the big leagues. He represented Chile in the Olympics twice and stood on the podium at the 2019 Pan American Games.
But let’s be real for a second. The moment etched in everyone’s brain happened at Southern Hills in 2022.
It was the PGA Championship. Pereira was leading by one on the 72nd hole. He was right there. Then came the swing that launched a thousand “agony of defeat” montages—a drive into the creek, leading to a double-bogey that dropped him into a tie for third. Justin Thomas went on to win the playoff, and Pereira was left wondering what could have been.
It was brutal to watch, but it also showed his resilience. He didn’t crumble; he pivoted. He spent the last three seasons with LIV Golf, playing alongside Joaquin Niemann on Team Torque.
Why Walk Away Now?
So, why retire when you’re barely out of your twenties? According to Pereira, it’s about priorities.
“I spent many years living away from home, in another country, countless weeks in hotels and airports,” Pereira wrote. “Now, the time has come to pause.”
He talked about wanting to go back to Chile, focus on his personal life, and frankly, just stop living out of a suitcase. And honestly? Can you blame him? Professional golf is a grind that makes the average corporate travel schedule look like a vacation. “I now begin a new chapter feeling happy, motivated, and at peace,” he said.
The Legacy
Pereira leaves the game having accomplished a lot more than most ever will. He was a Presidents Cup team member, an Olympian, and a winner on multiple tours. He helped put Chilean golf on the map in a big way.
Sure, his time with LIV ended a bit rocky; he was relegated after finishing in the Drop Zone this past season, but that shouldn’t overshadow the talent he brought to the course.
