Once it becomes clear what the future holds for the league beyond this season, LIV Golf will face a battle to retain many of its players.
LIV officials are still working to secure funding for the league as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is scheduled to withdraw later this year. The tour is likely to be very different depending on what happens from here.
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It’s not yet clear what options players have if they potentially leave LIV. But LIV’s hopes of retaining some of its brightest talent may have taken a hit after last week’s DP World Tour’s Italian Open.
Eugenio Chacala’s success may not be very advantageous for LIV Golf
Eugenio Chacarra currently occupies an important place in the history of LIV. The Spaniard remains the only player to win his first professional victory at an LIV golf event.
However, the 26-year-old was not offered a new contract by the Fireballs and left the league after the 2024 season.
Initially, Chakara had to rely on invitations from sponsors to participate in DP World Tour events. However, with three wins to date since the start of the 2025 season, he appears destined to earn a PGA Tour card in 2027.
Photo by: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
He is currently third in the Race to Dubai behind Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy.
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The step from the European circuit to the PGA Tour is not easy. Many players struggle to hold onto their cards across the Atlantic.
But Chakara has plenty of faith now that he has won three times. He had a message for those in LIV who feel unworthy to hold on to themselves.
His path is sure to catch the attention of young players who are worried about their futures.
LIV Golf events don’t help players improve.
There are few signs that playing LIV will help players improve. None of the LIV players will qualify for the four majors in 2026, but Tyrrell Hatton was the only league representative to finish in the top 30 at the Masters.
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It’s no wonder young players look at Chacarra and wonder if he’s developing at the rate he should at LIV.
Clearly, the DP World Tour is not as strong as it once was. But Chakara will be better in the U.S. because of the experience of these wins.
Given how uncertain the future of the league is, I’m sure there are some in LIV who wish they had followed the same path.
