(Photo credit: Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Mito Pereira, who came close to winning the 2022 PGA Championship before leaving the PGA Tour for LIV, is retiring from golf at age 30, he announced Monday.

Pereira was relegated from LIV Golf at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The Chilean released a statement through his former LIV team, Torque GC.

'After many years connected to this beautiful sport, priorities naturally evolve. Today, my main desire is to step away from constant travel, return to Chile, and focus on my personal life,' Pereira said.

'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 fortunate enough to achieve -- taking steps I never imagined possible. I now begin a new chapter feeling happy, motivated, and at peace, without urgency about what the future may bring. I simply want you to know that I am well and proud of what I accomplished in this sport.'

Pereira wrote that golf gave him 'unforgettable memories' that included winning three times on the Korn Ferry Tour, which qualified him for the PGA Tour, and his time with LIV and Torque GC. He also recalled tying for third at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he missed out on the bronze medal via a seven-way playoff.

'I spent many years living away from home, in another country, countless weeks in hotels and airports. Now, the time has come to pause,' Pereira said. '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. Thank you all.'

Pereira held a surprise three-stroke lead after three rounds at the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Okla. At the 72nd hole he hit his drive into a creek and made double bogey, not only surrendering the lead but falling behind both Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris. Thomas defeated Zalatoris in a playoff to win the major.

Pereira joined LIV Golf ahead of the 2023 season but never won one of the league's events. In 2025 he finished 51st in the season standings, putting him in the 'drop zone.'

He could have chosen to enter the LIV Golf Promotions event next month in Florida to regain his status for 2026, but instead decided to return to Chile.

The Promotions event's field was announced Monday morning and includes former star Anthony Kim, former Ryder Cup participant Chris Wood of England and Australia's Christopher Wood, currently the top-ranked member of the PGA Tour of Australasia. Ben Campbell of New Zealand (formerly of RangeGoats GC) and Matt Jones of Australia (Ripper GC) are also vying to regain their status.

--Field Level Media