In 2022, Eugenio Chacarra truly believed he had hit the jackpot. Just 22 back then and on the verge of a professional golfing career, LIV Golf’s offer was what he thought was a lifeline—a direct ticket to the upper echelons of the game without the hustle that a PGA Tour career would bring. And so began his journey, which was as uplifting as it was painful. Uplifting because his three-season stint, complete with a LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok victory in October 2022, made sure he was set for life. If our calculations are correct, the 25-year-old currently sits on a massive earning of close to $16 million with a “life changing” signing bonus.

Spanish outlet El Periodi Golf reported the total earnings might be close to 35 million euros ($41 million). As per Chacarra in January, “The LIV has given me money I never thought I could earn. It’s solved my life and that of my future generations.” But this sentence came with an important clause. “But now I want to make history in golf.” Meaning? Financial temptations were not enough. Chacarra left. But not without making noise. But before we tell you all about the controversy, looks like the golfer’s fate just took a turn for the best.

Come July 4, PGA Tour Communications‘ official X page finally released the Genesis Scottish Open’s field. And there in glittering letters was Chacarra’s name sitting 14th on the list. Sharing the tweet, LIV Golf’s senior writer Matt Vincenzi wrote, “Eugenio Chacarra will be making his PGA Tour debut. Really looking forward to that.” What makes it more bittersweet is the fact that Chacarra was reportedly banned by the PGA Tour until September 2o25, preventing him from competing “in any event under the PGA TOUR umbrella or in any qualifying event.” But all’s well that ends well.

The Spaniard’s breakthrough moment arrived at the Hero Indian Open. Hero MotoCorp extended a sponsor’s invitation to Chacarra to compete on the DP World Tour event, which he eventually won, earning full playing rights on the DP World Tour. So, although the former LIV player is yet to finish his ban, due to the Scottish Open being a co-sanctioned event, he was able to make it to his Tour’s one of 75 spots.

Notably, this comes barely six months after the golfer drummed up a controversy with his pointed remarks about the Saudi-backed tour. “I’m a little sad because some of the things they told us at LIV never happened,” he told the Spanish publication in January this year. “It’s true that since I made the decision to leave LIV, I’ve returned to the player I was. It’s a matter of motivation, and LIV was just about money.”

In another interview with Flushing It Golf that same month, Chacarra revealed more. “When I joined LIV they promised OWGR and majors. But it didn’t happen. I trusted them. I was the first young guy, then the others came after I made the decision. But OWGR and majors still hasn’t happened. I saw you last year when they pulled the bid. It’s frustrating,” he had said after Sergio Garcia‘s Fireballs GC eventually dropped him after his lackluster 2024 performance.

“I see what it’s like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes. How you get major access and ranking points. On LIV, nothing changes, there is only money. It doesn’t matter if you finish thirtieth or first, only money. I’m not a guy who wants more money. What will change my life is playing in Hawaii and qualifying for the majors, qualifying for the Masters, the Ryder Cup,” he had further opined.

How LIV Golf’s OWGR Controversy Destroys Player Careers

The OWGR points controversy extends far beyond individual disappointments. Official rankings affect every aspect of professional golf careers. Specifically, higher world rankings translate to premium endorsement opportunities. Additionally, access to major championships depends heavily on ranking position.

Scottie Scheffler‘s $15 million Nike deal exemplifies how rankings drive financial success. Conversely, players without ranking points struggle to secure premium endorsements. Missing key tournaments costs players $500,000+ annually. Carlos Ortiz echoed similar frustrations about broken promises. “They definitely said that we were going to get them. We haven’t got them,” Ortiz stated.

Meanwhile, Greg Norman withdrew LIV’s ranking application in March 2024. Consequently, players realized their major championship dreams had vanished. The ranking system determines automatic entry to prestigious events, such as the Masters and U.S. Open.

Now Chacarra pursues his childhood dream of earning a PGA Tour card. His Hero Indian Open victory proves that talent transcends league politics. Will other young LIV players follow Chacarra’s bold example of choosing career development over guaranteed money?