Eugenio Chacarra, once a standout in the LIV Golf circuit, is making headlines again as he receives a sponsor exemption for an upcoming PGA Tour event. This move marks a significant shift in the PGA Tour's approach, hinting at a more open stance towards players who previously joined the Saudi-backed league.
Chacarra, now 25, was a rising star during his college years at Oklahoma State, reaching the No. 2 spot in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. He turned professional in 2022, joining LIV and quickly making waves by winning his fifth professional start in Bangkok. However, his initial success didn't last, and he soon found himself disillusioned by the lack of promised major exemptions and world-ranking points.
Reflecting on his time with LIV, Chacarra expressed frustration, saying, "On LIV, nothing changes, there is only money. It doesn't matter if you finish thirtieth or first, only money."
This dissatisfaction led him to leave LIV after the 2024 season, seeking a more fulfilling competitive environment. He found it on the DP World Tour, where he secured a win at the 2025 Hero Indian Open, earning full-time status.
Now, with a spot in the Puerto Rico Open, Chacarra is candid about his motivations. "I think I was losing a little motivation to get better out there on LIV," he admitted. "I grew up watching the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, and that's what I dream of playing and winning."
Chacarra has embraced the challenges of traditional stroke-play competitions, appreciating the grind and the opportunity to measure his skills against a full field. "It gave me a little more of what real golf is," he shared. "Having a cut, having to grind... it's fun to see where my game is, where I need to improve."
Currently ranked 141st in the Official World Golf Ranking, Chacarra's journey reflects a broader trend. Last year, James Piot became the first former LIV player to receive a PGA Tour sponsor's exemption. With players like Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed also returning, the PGA Tour's invitation to Chacarra signals a willingness to reintegrate those willing to earn their place back on the tour.