Former LIV Golf star Chacarra wins Hero Indian Open and maiden DP World Tour title
Former LIV Golf star Eugenio Chacarra overcame a nightmare start to claim his maiden DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open in New Delhi.
The Spaniard (25) went into the final round with a one-shot lead over defending champion Keita Nakajima and Brandon Stone.
But despite making a double-bogey at the first and a bogey at the third, he was never more than a shot out of the lead and bounced back with five birdies en route to a two-shot win (€354,641) at a punishing DLF Golf and Country Club.
After birdies at the sixth and ninth, he regained the lead with back-to-back birdies at the 11th and 12th before holing out from greenside rough at the 14th to go four shots clear after his chip clattered the pin and dropped for an unlikely birdie.
He went on to bogey the 17th before closing with a par for a one-under 71 and a two-shot win on four-under from Nakajima (70) in just his ninth DP World Tour start.
“I'm very grateful for that opportunity,” said Chacarra, who made over $18m with LIV Golf before he was relegated last season and exited by the back door when Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs opted not to renew his contract.
“You guys probably changed my life from today, so thanks for that.
“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 really 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 I'm very proud.”
Just three players finished the tournament under par with the Netherlands’ Joost Luiten claiming solo third on one-under after a 71.
“This course is so tough, and at times, the wind changed a little on me,” Chacarra added.
“My goal was to give myself a chance coming down the stretch, and that’s what I did. I felt like I played well all week, and things went my way today.
“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, who secured a full card and a two-year exemption, moves into contention for a spot in the PGA Championship with the top three in the Asian Swing standings earning spots at Quail Hollow.
“I’m going to sit down with my team now and I get to plan a schedule,” said Chacarra, who was never fined or suspended by the DP World Tour for playing LIV Golf events as he was not a member.
“I’m so excited because I love the DP World Tour and the places I will now get to play golf in. I’m so proud and looking forward to the next few weeks.”
