DP World Tour : Hero Indian Open Results
On a tough DLF course in New Delhi, tricky at best of times, very difficult in the heat and wind that nearly burned out some of the greens, Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra has a place to play for the next 2 years on the DP World Tour after his 3 shot win today at the Hero Indian Open in just his 9th start.
His 70 70 73 71 -4 was the best of the bunch, with defending champion Keita Nakajima putting on a great defense of his title, but relegated to be runner up 74 66 74 72 -2. Veteran Dutchman Joost Luiten was 3rd 69 73 74 71 -1
They are the only 3 to break par !
Chacarra is an interesting story of a young star amateur at Oklahoma State who rose to #2 in the world, just as LIV came along.
Spurning the conventional path to the pro game, he accepted the easy LIV money, and won in his 5th start in Bangkok, but that would be his highlight. (He did also win on the Asian Tour)
In 3 years, playing in obscurity, he amassed $16,000,000 along with his signing bonus. He was discarded after a very mediocre 2023-24 when his contract was not renewed for 2025.
In a recent interview with Flushing It he thanked the LIV for what they offered him, security for life at 24, " I don't know if this will work out for the best, but I know my heart tells me, to wake up and grind and get better, to say I can be a PGA Tour player one day"
Disillusioned after LIV was not awarded OWGR points or entry to the majors, he says he now sees what it's like to be a PGA Tour player, to get into the majors.
(FYI, in that interview he goes as far as comparing himself in ability with world #6 Ludvig Aberg.....)
Today he took a big step towards that, with his win, and 2 year exemption on the DP World Tour.
Chacarra, who was playing on a tournament invitation this week, said: "Obviously I'd like to start by thanking Hero for giving me a chance to compete.
"I'm very grateful for that opportunity. 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 very proud.
“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.
Canada's Aaron Cockerill finished T29 70 74 78 75 +9. worth $29,232 cdn.
Bryan Angus
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