Eugenio Chacarra secured a DP World Tour membership thanks to a comeback victory to claim a maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, who had previously played on the LIV Golf circuit for the past three seasons, entered the final round at the DLF Golf and Country Club with a one-shot advantage but suffered a disastrous start to the day with a double-bogey on the opening hole and a bogey on the third to surrender his lead. However, Chacarra clawed back with birdies on the sixth and ninth and further birdies on the 11th, 12th, and 14th to wrestle back control of the contest. Chacarra suffered yet another scare later on by dropping a shot on the 17th but calmly closed with a par on the last to card a one-under 71 and seal a two-shot victory on four under.
“Thanks to everyone involved with Hero, you guys probably changed my life today,” Chacarra said speaking to Sky Sports.
“It was a tough day, we knew it was going to be a long day with a lot of pressure and obviously not having the start I wanted to.
“I think I did a great job all week of staying patient and I know God was helping me today. I got a couple of good bounces [including] that chip on 14. I got some luck that you need to win but very proud.
“I know when I play my best I’m one of the best players in the world, I’ve already proved that a million times.
“It’s just awesome. It’s going to need to sink in but really proud and just happy.”
Chacarra finished ahead of defending champion, Japan’s Keita Nakajima, who carded a final-round 70 to end in second and Netherland’s Joost Luiten who finished a shot further back in third.
Victory means that Chacarra has secured himself a DP Tour card and a two-year exemption in an event where he was playing on a tournament invitation.
Chacarra was previously part of the Fireballs GC team on the LIV Golf circuit but parted ways with the team after his contract was not renewed for the 2025 season with fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia named as his replacement.
He is currently serving a 12-month suspension from the PGA TOUR due to his participation in LIV Golf events and will not be able to take part in a PGA TOUR event until 23rd September 2025.
What is the next event?
The next event on the DP World Tour schedule, following the Masters, is the Volvo China Open taking place between 17-20 April at the Enhance Anting GC in Shanghai.