Former LIV Golf winner Eugenio Chacarra is set to feature more prominently on the DP World Tour following a gritty maiden victory at the Hero Indian Open.
The 25-year-old Spaniard held his nerve during a rollercoaster final round at DLF Golf and Country Club to claim a two-shot victory and etch his name into the record books as the tournament’s first-ever Spanish champion.
Kept Calm As Shots Dropped
Chacarra, who began the day with a slender one-shot lead, saw his advantage vanish almost immediately with a double-bogey at the opening hole and another dropped shot at the third. But the talented youngster showed real resilience, clawing his way back with birdies at the sixth and ninth, before seizing control with back-to-back gains at 11 and 12.
FINAL HERO INDIAN OPEN LEADERBOARD
The moment of the round – and arguably the tournament – came at the par-4 14th, where Chacarra holed out from thick rough for a stunning birdie that opened up a four-shot cushion. Despite a bogey scare on the 17th, the former Oklahoma State star closed out with a composed par to finish at four under par, two ahead of Japan’s Keita Nakajima.
Emotional Win
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity – you guys probably changed my life today,” Chacarra said, reflecting on his emotional win. “It was a tough day. I didn’t get the start I wanted, but I stayed patient and felt like I played really well down the stretch.”
Chacarra’s raw talent has never been in question. He turned pro in 2022 with huge expectations and made waves as part of LIV Golf’s inaugural season. But after making the transition back to traditional 72-hole events, he now sees the DP World Tour as a stage to further his career.
Huge Fan Of DP World Tour
“I know when I play my best, I’m one of the best players in the world,” he said confidently. “Now I get to sit down with my team and plan a schedule, and I’m so excited because I love the DP World Tour and the incredible places we get to play.”
Two-Year Exemption
With this win, Chacarra not only secures valuable ranking points and a two-year exemption on tour, but also a renewed sense of purpose. His commitment to the European circuit adds another layer of intrigue to the DP World Tour season, especially as more former LIV players look to reintegrate into the global game.
Japan’s Nakajima finished solo second at two under, with Joost Luiten of the Netherlands in third. Sweden’s Jens Dantorp took fourth, while France’s Adrien Saddier rounded out the top five.