Spanish golfer Eugenio Chacarra was one of the first men to claim victory on the LIV Golf circuit in 2022, but he’s now aiming to become a fan favorite on the PGA Tour
Eugenio Chacarra wants a PGA Tour card(Image: Getty Images)
Ex-LIV Golf star Eugenio Chacarra has secured a spot at this year’s Scottish Open, giving him the chance to play in a PGA Tour event.
The 25-year-old joined LIV in 2022 and was one of the first winners on the Saudi-backed circuit, claiming victory in Bangkok that same year. He remained part of the LIV setup until this year, when he left to play on the DP World Tour, also known as the European Tour.
Chacarra made an immediate impact on the DP World Tour by winning the Hero Indian Open in March. He’s now looking to claim his first PGA Tour title at the Scottish Open next week. The event is run by the DP World Tour but co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour.
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Chacarra was critical of LIV earlier this year, accusing the league’s bosses of breaking promises. “When I joined LIV, they promised OWGR and majors,” the Spanish golfer said, as quoted by Golfweek. “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. It’s frustrating, but I’m excited for the new opportunity and to see where my game takes me.”
Chacarra is now making a name for himself on the DP World Tour in the hope that it will secure him a full PGA Tour card. While he is “thankful” for everything LIV has given him, insisting his “life is set,” the emerging talent believes LIV is “only about the money.”
Chacarra left LIV Golf earlier this year(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “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 30th 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.”
Chacarra made his major debut at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst last year, but he failed to make the cut, as Bryson DeChambeau won.
His second major appearance came at this year’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, but he again failed to make the cut, with Scottie Scheffler claiming his third major title. Chacarra has yet to play at the Masters or The Open Championship.
The former LIV star still has a long way to go if he’s to play regularly at the majors. He’s ranked outside of the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking, sitting at a career-best 138th.
Chacarra will also encounter one of the toughest fields in golf at the Scottish Open, which starts at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick this Thursday. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Tommy Fleetwood, and defending champion Bob MacIntyre will be among those teeing it up in Scotland.
The Scottish Open is viewed as the perfect event ahead of The Open, the final major of the year, as the world’s best golfers work on their links game. Chacarra hasn’t qualified for that tournament, which will start at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland in just 12 days’ time. Schauffele is the defending Open champion.
