Why the legendary LIV pro announced an unexpected retirement

A few years ago, Chilean Professor Mito Pereira seemed to have a bright future in golf. He earned a PGA Tour promotion in impressive fashion and was one hole away from becoming a major champion before joining LIV Golf.

But now we know that what looked like Pereira’s breakout year turned out to be his breakthrough year, as the young coach announced his retirement from LIV and pro golf this week.

Here’s what you need to know.

Mite Pereira is shocked by his early retirement from pro golf

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

In 2019, he made his senior debut and won a bronze medal in Chile at the Pan American Games, a performance he almost repeated at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, where he finished T3 and lost in the bronze medal.

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

He scored a solo third at the start of his first tour after being promoted to the 2021 Fortinet Championship.

But the highlight of Pereira’s career, and perhaps the low light, came at the 2022 PGA Championship. There, the rising star built a three-shot lead into the final round at Quail Hollow. He struggled on Sunday, but still had a one-shot advantage standing in 18th place.

A double bogey followed, knocking him out of the Wanamaker trophy playoff.

In 2023, Pereira decided to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf, which at the time was seen as the league’s biggest profit. But Pereira struggled at LIV, finishing 51st in 2025 only to be relegated.

Which brings us to this week. Despite losing his place at LIV, Pereira is still only 30 years old, with his playing days seemingly upon him.

That’s why it was shocking when on Tuesday he announced that he was resigning from the game.

“After many years connected to this beautiful sport, priorities naturally change. Today, my biggest desire is to stop traveling constantly, return to Chile, and focus on my personal life,” wrote Pereira in an Instagram post.

In his lengthy announcement, Pereira also wrote, “I’m leaving with unforgettable memories,” citing his Korn Ferry win, his time on the PGA Tour and LIV and appearances on Chile’s national teams.

In the end, Pereira explained that his decision was based on two factors. First, it eliminates the endless travel required of a professional golfer and, two, to spend more time with his family.

He wrote: “I spent many years away from home, in another country, many weeks in hotels and airports. “Chile is my place in the world, and my family is the reason for my existence. Golf taught me resilience, how to navigate both good and bad times, and how to make discipline and goals a way of life. I believe I’m well prepared for what’s to come.”

You can read Pereira’s full statement below.

Mito Pereira’s full retirement statement

After many years of being attached to this beautiful sport, priorities naturally change. Today, my biggest wish is to stop traveling constantly, return to Chile, and focus on my personal life.

Golf played an important role in my life. It allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, meet amazing people, experience different cultures, and set goals – most of which I was lucky enough to achieve – to take steps I never thought possible. Now I start a new chapter feeling happy, inspired and at peace, with no rush for what the future may bring. I want you to know that I am healthy and I am proud of what I have achieved in this game.

I have memories that I will never forget: three Korn Ferry Tour titles that earned me a spot on the PGA Tour; my time on the LIV Tour, where I got to see a lot of destinations and really enjoyed competing as part of an amazing team, Team Torque; and the honor of representing Chile in 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 live forever in my memory and heart.

I would like to thank Anto, my family, and all my friends, in and out of golf. I am also very grateful to my manager, coach, team, sponsors who trusted this program, and many fans who always make me feel loved. Throughout this long journey, many people have supported me and contributed to my development, and I will always be grateful to them.

I spent many years away from home, in another country, many weeks in hotels and airports. Now, the time has come for you to pause. Chile is my place on earth, and my family is my reason for being. Golf taught me resilience, how to navigate both the good times and the hard times, and how to make discipline and goals a way of life. I believe that I have prepared well for what is to come.” – Mito Pereira