Staff WriterEugenio Chacarra’s big day at Hero Indian Open will long be remembered for a rollercoaster final round that tested every ounce of his resolve, ultimately delivering him a two-shot victory and his maiden DP World Tour title.
Chacarra, the 25-year-old rising talent from Spain, endured one of the most dramatic starts you’ll ever see at the DLF Golf and Country Club: a double-bogey off the first, a dropped shot on the third, and a mountain of pressure on his shoulders.
Despite those early pitfalls, Chacarra showcased true grit by sparking a comeback with birdies at the sixth and ninth holes, making the turn just one over for the day.
He then snatched back the outright lead with back-to-back gains at the 11th and 12th, letting everyone know that he hadn’t flown to India just to make up the numbers.
The real showstopper, though, was a miracle shot from a gnarly lie in the rough at the 14th, where he holed out for birdie and stretched his lead to four.
Even when a misstep on the 17th threatened his comfortable advantage, he kept his cool and wrapped things up with a par on the last to stroll off in style.
By sealing the deal at the notoriously challenging DLF Golf and Country Club, Chacarra becomes the first Spanish winner of the Hero Indian Open—a feat he plans to build upon as he eyes continued success on the DP World Tour.
Eugenio Chacarra: 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.
This course is so tough and at times the wind changed a little on me. My goal was to give myself a chance coming down the stretch and that’s what I did. I felt like I played well all week and things went my way today.
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. It’s just awesome – it’s going to need to sink in but really proud and just happy.
I’m going to sit down with my team now and I get to plan a schedule. I’m so excited because I love the DP World Tour and the places, I will now get to play golf in. I’m so proud and looking forward to the next few weeks.
Japan’s Keita Nakajima battled valiantly and ended up second on two under par, while Joost Luiten from the Netherlands fell just one shot behind him in third.
Sweden’s Jens Dantorp claimed fourth place on level par, and Frenchman Adrien Saddier rounded out the top five at two over.
