Eugenio Chacarra signed a three-year deal with LIV Golf in the spring of 2022. It was just his fifth start when he won the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok. This win changed his plans to return to school that fall. Now, three years later, he is not part of the league anymore. “There is going to be one new player,” said Sergio Garcia, Chacarra’s childhood hero, in October 2024. “Unfortunately, Eugenio Chacarra finished outside the top 24 and his contract is up.” The young Spanish golfer is now just looking forward, and along the way breaking a few notions about LIV appreciating young talent.

Despite winning early on LIV and Asian Tour, he found himself overlooked, while the likes of big-name stars like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka constantly made headlines. “I’m the only young guy who’s won, and they never talk about me. They always talk about the same guys,” he said. He further said, “I’m not blaming them, they probably know more, but they don’t really care about the young guys much. So this decision is what’s best for me.” He is now chasing his dream of playing in iconic events like the Masters and Ryder Cup—something he says LIV just can’t offer.

Chacarra isn’t just frustrated by the lack of attention, either. He points out the stark difference between how his career is being handled compared to others. “On the PGA Tour, Ludvig Aberg has one win and I have one win on LIV….So we have similar careers, but he has way more experience and plays way more big tournaments, but we have the same wins,” he explained. Ludvig Aberg won his debut PGA Tour event, the 2023 RSM Classic, and made headlines. Despite having somewhat similar results, Aberg is ranked No. 6 in the world, while Chacarra is left in the shadows. This disparity is pushing Chacarra to make a big decision. He’s done with the financial perks of LIV and wants the kind of recognition that the PGA Tour offers.

This entire confession comes as a shock since Chacarra once spoke very fondly of his former captain, Garcia. “I feel like it was yesterday when I went to Madrid to watch the [2010] Spanish Open and watch [Garcia] play golf and just seeing him as an idol. He’s been a Spanish idol for a long time. He’s been on tour 23 years, so I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from him, and I think I’m in a good spot,’’ he said after winning in Bangkok.

There was once a point when he was proud of what LIV was doing; “It’s great. What LIV Golf is doing for golf and for everyone is something that I couldn’t react and I couldn’t be more proud to be here. I’m learning a lot. I’m playing with the best players in the world, and that’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was little and I’m learning from each of them in particular these guys by my side. They’re trying to help me as much as I can and I’m always there learning, and it’s been a dream, and I can’t be more excited for the next years to come.”

While LIV promised him opportunities like OWGR points and access to majors, those never really came true. Now, with his sights set on the PGA Tour, Chacarra is ready to make the jump and chase that childhood dream of earning a PGA Tour card. He did mention it earlier as well;  “It’s just another path, so once my contract is done, if I want to try Q School, I can get into those tours, but right now I have a lot of time on LIV, I’m happy here, and I think it’s the best path for me.”

But the bigger question is when his dream of playing for the PGA Tour will come true.

When will Eugenio Chacarra be able to play in the PGA Tour?

Chacarra is eager to make the jump from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour, but there’s a bit of a waiting game involved. According to the rules between the PGA Tour and LIV, players who’ve competed in LIV events need to wait a year after their last LIV appearance before they can join the PGA Tour. It’s a bit of a delay for Chacarra, but he’s not letting that stop him.

He’s already in talks with PGA Tour officials, trying to figure out if there’s any way he can fast-track the process. On top of that, he’s planning to play in the International Series India later this month if he gets the green light. He’s also hoping to snag some sponsor invites to play on the DP World Tour, keeping his game sharp and staying connected to the golf world while he waits for his shot at the PGA Tour.

Even though the one-year waiting period is in place, Chacarra’s proactive approach could potentially speed things up. And with the way things are shifting between LIV and the PGA Tour, there’s always a chance the eligibility rules might change down the line. For now, though, Chacarra’s staying focused on his goal and making sure he’s ready for whatever comes next.