With the future of LIV golf in big doubt, players are no doubt considering a return to the PGA Tour.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew its support for the tour earlier this year, leaving the group competing for investors. If they can’t find new investment for next season and beyond, there is a risk of them pulling out completely.
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As it stands, players receive a one-year suspension from the PGA Tour after their most recent LIV event, so if LIV were to be canceled, players like Jon Rahm would have to wait 12 months before returning.
But one former LIV player has laid out a blueprint and is eyeing a return to the PGA Tour after leaving the tour early.
Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images
Eugenio Chacala aims to return to PGA Tour
Eugenio Chacala joined LIV Golf in 2022, but decided to leave the tour after three seasons and instead took up membership on the DP World Tour. He has won three times on tour since joining the club and appears to be certain of earning membership on the PGA Tour.
He said in an interview with Flushing It that he’s been eyeing the PGA Tour all year. “There’s still a lot of season left and there’s a lot of great players, but I’m hungrier than ever. I want to get better. I want to keep playing well and continue to see my game get better,” Chakara said.
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“So I want to continue playing with the best players in the world and prove to the world and myself and the team that I’m just like them and I can compete with anyone.
“As I’ve always said, the PGA Tour is my biggest goal and it was my goal this season. It’s a place I’ve dreamed of playing since I was little and I want to play there. But I have to stay focused and play well for the rest of the season.”
Chakara has high hopes for the rest of his career. The 26-year-old wants to test his skills against the best players on the biggest stage. “In golf, if you keep playing well, new goals are always created.
“I’ve moved up to No. 58 in the world rankings, so obviously one of my main goals now is to finish the year in the top 50 in the world so I can qualify for all four majors next year.”
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“And next year is the Ryder Cup. It won’t be easy, but we can add some new goals to the team, so everyone is hungry and everyone wants it. We still have a long way to go and we can always get better.”
“To compete with Scottie, Rory and the other big players, you have to give 100 percent in all aspects of your game. I’m playing well, but I still have a long way to go, and I’m hungry to keep working.”
“I want to get better. I work hard and I love it. I love golf and I love working every day to get better.”
Eugenio Chacala faces Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler this week
Chakara’s wish was granted this week as he will play in the Scottish Open alongside Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm. This is the first of two tests against the world’s strongest as he competes in the British Open Championship at Royal Birkdale next week.
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The Spaniard is keen to take on the challenge. “I always want to prove to myself that nothing is impossible. I want to achieve what I want and what I dream of. And my dream is to be one of the best players in the world. You know?”
“I was one of the best amateurs in the world. I was one of the best players in college golf. I was one of the best players in Europe from a young age. So my next step is to become one of the best players in the professional world.”
“As I said, I still have a long way to go, but I can clearly see myself playing against them. I’m excited for the next few weeks at the Scottish Open and British Open. It won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to seeing where my game is.”
“I’ve been a pro for three and a half years now? And I’ve already won five. It’s never easy to win, but when I had a chance, I could win. So I trust my game and believe in myself.”
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“Just to have the opportunity to play in a major tournament is something that all of us on the team wanted, and for it to be my first British Open, it’s going to be special. I know Birkdale is a great golf course. It’s a great ball-striking course, so I’m excited to be a part of it.”
The next two weeks could be huge for the aspiring superstar’s confidence.
