Talented Spanish golfer Eugenio Chacarra has set his sights on a second title on The International Series and Asian Tour after beginning life post-LIV Golf in the best possible fashion, with the first-round clubhouse lead at a star-studded International Series India presented by DLF.
With a host of big names including Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann unable to finish their rounds because of a fog delay in the morning, Chacarra hit the front nine with a four-under 68 that does not tell half the story.
After starting on 10, the 24-year-old was sitting on four over after a triple bogey on 13 and bogey on 14. But he battled back in sensational fashion on the testing, Gary Player-designed course with seven birdies, an eagle and one more dropped shot.
Summing up a visibly positive outlook – on and off the course - since his exit from Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC in the close season, he said: “I think I did a good job staying calm. I worked a lot on that in the last couple months, and with all that was going on, I think my mind is really well.
“I am enjoying my golf again. I mean, I finished the season with fifth and sixth-place finishes (International Series Qatar and the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers), and I also finished 14 at the Hong Kong Open (also on The International Series).
“So I know I was playing great, and I am having fun again, playing golf. I think I did a good job with my mental coach. I just focus shot by a shot, and then get myself in good position, hit good shots and see some balls go in.”
Chacarra confirmed he will be aiming for a shot at the PGA Tour via Q School in September, but the 2023 St Andrew’s Bay Championship winner, and 2022 LIV Golf Bangkok Invitational champion, loves his time on The International Series and Asian Tour and is eager for more success in the meantime.
He said: “My goal is to get ready for September, for Q School in the US. That is where I wanted to play and dreamed of playing since I was little. I had a lot of success in college in the US, and I love playing golf in the US - I still live there.
“That's where I plan to be. I just need to work very hard every day. I love the Asian Tour they’ve always been great to me. I love coming back here. I love playing in Asia. I love how the Asian Tour is developing. So I am going to play as much I can. I know I am going to play the Kolon Korea Open, Macau (International Series Macau presented by Wynn). I am going to play as much I can. I love it out here, and I love what the Asian Tour does. I know when I am playing well. I'm one of the best players in the world. So I just need to focus, get healthy, and play as much as I can, work hard and take every chance I get.”
The International Series is the most prized pathway in golf. It consists of 10 elite tournaments sanctioned by the Asian Tour and offers the year-long Rankings leader promotion to the LIV Golf League
