In a shocking turn of events, Mito Pereira, the 30-year-old Chilean golfer who once came agonizingly close to winning a major, has announced his retirement from professional golf. The news, which was shared on social media, brings an end to a career that was marked by both incredible highs and disappointing lows.
Pereira's decision to retire comes just three years after he was on the cusp of winning the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the time, he was just one hole away from claiming the title, but a disastrous final round saw him slip up and ultimately finish one shot out of a playoff won by Justin Thomas. The collapse was all the more stunning given that Pereira had taken a three-shot lead into the final round and was still one shot ahead going into the 18th hole. However, his aggressive approach with a driver on the final hole backfired, as he put the ball in a creek and made a double bogey.
Pereira's near-miss at the PGA Championship was a defining moment in his career, and one that will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the cruel nature of golf. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to replicate the form that had taken him to the brink of victory, and his subsequent decision to join the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League in 2023 failed to yield the desired results. Over the course of three seasons, Pereira earned a total of $11.5 million, but his performances were inconsistent, and he ultimately finished at No. 51 in the standings this year, resulting in his relegation from the league.
Despite his struggles on the course, Pereira remains proud of his achievements in the sport. In a heartfelt letter to his fans, which was posted on Instagram in both Spanish and English, he reflected on the lessons he had learned from golf and the impact it had had on his life.
"After many years connected to this beautiful sport, priorities naturally evolve,"he wrote.
"Today, my main desire is to step away from constant travel, return to Chile, and focus on my personal life."
Pereira's decision to retire is not entirely surprising, given that he had been struggling with injuries in recent months. Just three weeks ago, his manager revealed that he had broken his collarbone in a bicycle accident and was waiting to get fit before deciding on his next move. However, it appears that Pereira has now made the difficult decision to call time on his career, citing a desire to return to his native Chile and focus on his personal life.
Despite his relatively short career, Pereira achieved a significant amount in the golfing world. He played one year at Texas Tech and was part of a playoff for the bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics. He also represented the International team in the Presidents Cup in 2022, where he gained valuable experience competing against the best players in the world. Pereira's decision to join the LIV Golf League in 2023 was seen as a significant coup for the fledgling tour, but ultimately, he was unable to replicate the form that had made him such an exciting prospect in the first place.
As he looks to the future, Pereira is understandably reflective about his time in the sport. Golf has taught him resilience, discipline, and the importance of goal-setting, and he is grateful for the opportunities he has had.
As Pereira begins this new chapter in his life, he can look back on his career with a sense of pride and accomplishment. While he may not have achieved everything he had hoped for, he has undoubtedly left his mark on the golfing world. His decision to retire may come as a shock to many, but it is a reminder that even the most successful athletes must eventually come to terms with their own mortality and the limitations of their bodies. As Pereira himself so eloquently put it,
"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."
Original: ESPN
Image: ESPN
Written by Npsports
