In a move that has surprised many in the golf world, Mito Pereira, the talented Chilean golfer and LIV Golf standout, has officially retired at the age of 30. The announcement came Monday, with Pereira releasing a heartfelt statement reflecting on his journey in the sport and signaling the start of a new chapter in his life.
From Santiago to the Global Stage
Born in Santiago, Chile, Pereira turned professional in 2015 and quickly made his mark with an impressive record of 13 career wins across multiple tours. While not always in the media spotlight, he became a consistent presence on leaderboards and earned respect for his technical precision, work ethic, and calm demeanor under pressure.
His most high-profile moment came during the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, where he led heading into the final round. A heartbreaking double-bogey on the 18th hole dropped him to third place, a moment that golf fans still recall as one of the sport’s great near-misses. The tournament was ultimately won by Justin Thomas, who edged out Will Zalatoris in a playoff.
The LIV Golf Years and International Play
In recent seasons, Pereira became one of the prominent faces on the LIV Golf circuit, bringing international flair and competitive fire to the tour. He also proudly represented the International Team at the 2022 Presidents Cup, held at Quail Hollow. Though he didn’t notch a win, finishing with one tie and two losses, his selection and performance on such a big stage underscored his value to global golf.
A Personal Decision, Made with Peace
In his retirement message, Pereira didn’t dwell on disappointment. Instead, he spoke with gratitude, saying golf allowed him to grow personally and professionally, explore the world, and chase goals that once seemed out of reach. “I now begin a new chapter feeling happy, motivated, and at peace,” he wrote—an exit filled with grace and self-assurance.
Though his departure comes earlier than expected, it’s clear Pereira leaves the sport with no regrets. Fans may have wished to see more, but his impact especially in Chile and across Latin America—will endure.
