Rio Grande, Puerto Rico – In a notable shift within the professional golf landscape, Eugenio Chacarra, the 25-year-old Spaniard who once made waves by joining LIV Golf, has been granted a sponsor exemption to compete in the 2026 Puerto Rico Open. The announcement, made Tuesday by the PGA Tour, marks a significant step in Chacarra’s return to the traditional tour and underscores the evolving dynamics between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. This development comes amidst a broader trend of players navigating between the two circuits, seeking opportunities to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
Chacarra’s journey has been anything but conventional. A highly touted amateur, reaching No. 2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, he opted to join LIV Golf in 2022, a decision that initially appeared to signal a firm commitment to the breakaway league. However, after a period of fluctuating performance and growing disillusionment, Chacarra sought a return to the established tours. His recent success on the DP World Tour, culminating in a victory at the 2025 Hero Indian Open, has paved the way for this opportunity. The Puerto Rico Open, an alternate event held concurrently with the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational, will provide Chacarra with a platform to showcase his skills and pursue his long-held ambition of competing regularly on the PGA Tour.
From LIV to the PGA Tour: A Changing Landscape
The granting of a sponsor exemption to Chacarra is the latest in a series of moves that suggest a softening of the PGA Tour’s stance towards players who previously defected to LIV Golf. While the initial response to the formation of LIV Golf was marked by strong opposition and sanctions, the landscape has begun to shift as players seek pathways back to the PGA Tour. Brooks Koepka has already made a return to the PGA Tour, competing in the Cognizant Classic, marking his third event since being welcomed back through the new Returning Member Program, as reported by Golf.com. Patrick Reed is also set to regain Tour eligibility in 2027, alongside Pat Perez and Hudson Swafford, further illustrating this trend.
Chacarra’s situation is particularly noteworthy as he represents a player who actively sought a return to the PGA Tour after experiencing the LIV Golf circuit. In a recent interview with Flushing It Golf, Chacarra candidly expressed his dissatisfaction with the financial focus of LIV Golf, stating, “On LIV, nothing changes, there is only money. It doesn’t matter if you finish thirtieth or first, only money.” This sentiment, coupled with a desire for a more competitive environment where results matter, fueled his decision to pursue opportunities on the DP World Tour and ultimately seek a return to the PGA Tour. He emphasized his gratitude for the LIV opportunity, calling it a “tremendous opportunity for me, my family and my future family,” but reiterated that his ultimate goal has always been to compete on the PGA Tour.
A Victory on the DP World Tour and a Renewed Focus
Chacarra’s success on the DP World Tour has been instrumental in securing his opportunity at the Puerto Rico Open. His victory at the 2023 St Andrews Bay Championship on the Asian Tour and, more significantly, the 2025 Hero Indian Open, earned him full DP World Tour status and a spot in the 2025 PGA Championship through the International Swing. The win at the Hero Indian Open, as highlighted by Golf.com, proved to be a turning point in his career. “When I won the Hero Indian Open like 10 months ago, I felt my life completely changed,” Chacarra stated. This victory opened doors to Rolex Series events and co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour, providing him with valuable experience and exposure.
Currently ranked No. 27 on the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai, Chacarra recognizes that continued strong performance on the DP World Tour could also lead to a PGA Tour card through that avenue. He acknowledges the importance of maintaining momentum and striving for consistent results. He also echoed the sentiments of Patrick Reed, stating, “I agree with Patrick Reed. The grind of playing a Friday to make a cut or coming into Sunday with a chance to win.” This highlights his appreciation for the competitive format and the challenges inherent in earning success on the PGA Tour.
Life in Tulsa and a Return to Familiar Surroundings
Chacarra’s base of operations is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he is a member at Southern Hills Country Club, a renowned venue that has hosted multiple major championships. He maintains close ties with the local golf community, regularly interacting with fellow former Oklahoma State Cowboys like Bo Van Pelt, and frequently visiting Karsten Creek, Oklahoma State’s home course. This connection to his collegiate roots and the supportive environment in Tulsa have contributed to his renewed focus and motivation.
The Spaniard’s commitment to improvement is evident in his recent efforts. “I lost a bunch of weight. I got my team working really hard. I wake up every day motivated to get better and having goals to achieve, it’s completely changed my mindset,” he explained. This dedication, combined with his talent and experience, positions him as a player to watch at the Puerto Rico Open and beyond.
The Broader Implications for Professional Golf
Chacarra’s return to the PGA Tour is not an isolated incident. The DP World Tour recently reached an agreement with eight LIV Golf players, allowing them to compete on both tours without facing fines, provided they meet certain benchmarks, although Jon Rahm was notably excluded from this agreement, as reported by Golf.com. Laurie Canter, who earned a PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour at the end of 2025, ultimately chose to remain with LIV Golf, demonstrating the continued appeal of the Saudi-backed league for some players.
Chacarra’s story mirrors that of James Piot, who last summer became the first former LIV Golf player to receive a sponsor invite to a PGA Tour event, at the Rocket Classic. The willingness of the PGA Tour to extend these opportunities suggests a potential shift in strategy, acknowledging the talent within the LIV Golf ranks and recognizing the desire of some players to return to the traditional tour structure. Chacarra himself views the Puerto Rico Open as a significant opportunity, stating, “Like I said to my team, I mean, this is like a major for me. So it’s going to be fun and I’m going to strive to perform the best I can.”
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As the professional golf landscape continues to evolve, the interplay between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour will undoubtedly remain a central storyline. Chacarra’s participation in the Puerto Rico Open represents a tangible example of this ongoing dynamic and a potential pathway for other players seeking to navigate between the competing circuits. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the long-term implications of these developments and the future of professional golf.
The Puerto Rico Open is scheduled to take place from March 6-9, 2026, at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Chacarra’s performance as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this developing story and the latest updates from the world of professional golf.
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