HONOLULU — One major concern for Eugenio Chacarra regarding LIV Golf has been the financial implications that come with being part of the Saudi-backed league. Chacarra made the leap from Oklahoma State in 2022 to join a circuit predominantly featuring older veterans. He experienced quick success, winning his fifth start at an event in Thailand and expressing pride in his role amidst established players at that time.
However, after an impressive beginning, his performance waned, with only one top-10 finish over the next two years. This led to his compatriot, Sergio Garcia, not including him in the Fireballs roster for the 2025 season. Chacarra tallied over $12.6 million in earnings over three years, along with what he described as a “life-changing” signing bonus — a figure that surpassed the combined PGA Tour winnings of fellow two-time winners Nick Dunlap and Akshay Bhatia.
Chacarra reflected on his experiences, noting that while financial rewards are apparent, understanding the overall impact of competing on the PGA Tour is invaluable. He emphasized, “On LIV, nothing changes; there is only money. It doesn’t matter if you finish 30th or first.” For him, participating in prestigious events like the Masters and Ryder Cup would provide the real value, as they contribute to a player’s legacy and ranking.
As he approaches 25 in March, Chacarra is facing the reality that he must wait before re-entering the PGA Tour, as a one-year penalty applies to anyone who has played in LIV events. He hopes to qualify for Q-school later this year, where only the top five earn their tour cards. In the alternative scenario, he could spend time on the Korn Ferry Tour, seeking a path toward a coveted card.
At present, Chacarra has only participated in one major tournament, the U.S. Open last year, where he missed the cut. His best chance for future opportunities may hinge on his performance in the Asian Tour. The challenges presented by LIV Golf serve as a cautionary example for emerging players considering leagues that offer only financial incentives, eschewing traditional pathways to ranking points and major tournaments.
While LIV Golf’s offseason did not witness any major signings, there has been a notable shift towards younger players, with the arrivals of Luis Masaveu from Spain and 22-year-old Yubin Jang, who had success on the Korean Tour last year. Despite being new talents, they face a challenging journey in pursuit of major championships.
The emergence of youthful talent in golf is gaining momentum, an observation underscored by performances from players like Dunlap and Bhatia, both achieving substantial milestones at young ages. With veterans reflecting on how training has evolved, they acknowledge that modern players are entering the professional circuit primed and conditioned to compete at the highest levels.
Jordan Spieth, if looking at his own career, has noted a significant increase in competition among younger golfers, which he views as a daunting prospect. Fewer players in their 40s managed to win on the PGA Tour last year, a trend that emphasizes the urgency for players to capitalize on their peak performance years.
While LIV Golf may not offer the life-changing bonuses of past successes, Chacarra’s experience illustrates that substantial earnings are possible. Yet, the trade-off remains—time lost, especially concerning eligibility for major championships. Discussions between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund hint at future ramifications for golf as a whole, although unification remains uncertain.
Chacarra, Masaveu, and Jang, similar to other players without pre-existing tour status, find themselves in a position with no immediate guarantees. Chacarra was in the running for Korn Ferry status due to his strong ranking in the PGA Tour University but opted for LIV Golf, which initially rewarded him with a victory and significant earnings. Unfortunately, sustaining that momentum proved challenging.
As he looks forward, Chacarra’s next engagement is set with an Asian Tour event in India. The question that looms for him is how long it might take for his talent to resurface on the major golf stage and how many prime years he may have unwittingly set aside.
“I’m thankful for everything LIV has given me. I’m 24 years old and my life is set,” Chacarra expressed. “I don’t know if it will work out for the best or not, but I know this is what my heart tells me is right and it works for my motivation to wake up and grind and get better and to say I can be a PGA Tour player one day.”
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*On The Fringe delves into key discussions surrounding golf throughout the season.*
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