2 weeks Ago By Sam Frost
Former LIV Golf star Eugenio Chacarra has taken a big step closer to his dream of reaching the PGA Tour after claiming a life-changing win on the DP World Tour. The Spaniard, who was a founding member of the breakaway LIV circuit in 2022 before being released at the end of last season, won the Hero Indian Open at DLF Golf & Country Club on Sunday. The 25-year-old was just one of three players who finished under par for the tournament up against a brutal test in Gurgaon on Sunday, winning by two shots at four-under-par.
Chacarra seized control of the tournament on Sunday with a classy round of 68, which was good enough to edge out Keita Nakajima by two to win his third title as a professional. Chacarra was playing on a sponsor's exemption in India, but his victory secured a DP World Tour membership through 2027. The win is also sure to propel him up the Race To Dubai rankings, with the top 10 players at the end of the season earning a 2026 PGA Tour membership.
He was emotional as he soaked in his first win on the DP World Tour. He said: "It means everything. I decided when I was an amateur to go to another side of golf [LIV].
Coming out [of LIV], I didn't know where I was going to play but I stayed patient. "I know when I play my best I am one of the best players in the world. I've already proved that.
It's just awesome. It needs to sink in, but I'm really proud and I'm just happy." Chacarra was one of the first winners on LIV, taking the title in Bangkok in 2022 to bank $4 million.
But he was let go from Sergio Garcia's Fireballs team after finishing 39th place in the standings. After his departure was confirmed, Chacarra vented his frustration over perceived broken promises over world ranking points and major championship qualification. LIV remains unsanctioned by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), but it has secured qualification routes for the U.
S. Open and Open Championship since Chacarra's departure. "When I joined LIV, they promised [Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points] and majors," he told Flushing It.
"But it didn't happen. I trusted them. I was the first young guy, then the others came after I made the decision.
But OWGR and majors still hasn't happened. I saw you last year when they pulled the bid. It's frustrating, but I'm excited for the new opportunity and to see where my game takes me.
"I see what it's like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes. How you get major access and ranking points. On LIV, nothing changes, there is only money.
It doesn't matter if you finish thirtieth or first, only money. "I'm not a guy who wants more money. What will change my life is playing in Hawaii and qualifying for the majors, qualifying for the Masters, the Ryder Cup.
"I'm thankful for everything LIV has given me. I'm 24 years old, and my life is set. I don't know if it will work out for the best or not, but I know this is what my heart tells me is right and it works for my motivation to wake up and grind and get better, and to say I can be a PGA Tour player one day.
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