Eugenio Chacarra considering Spanish Open withdrawal despite sharing first-round lead

Eugenio Chacarra faces a major decision over his Spanish Open future after revealing a troublesome toe injury following a superb opening round that put him into a share of the lead.

The Spaniard carded a 5-under 66 at Real Club de Campo Villa de Madrid on Thursday to join Scotland's Grant Forrest and Connor Syme at the top of the leaderboard.

But the 26-year-old's impressive round came at a significant physical cost.

"It's not good," Chacarra said after a round of 66 where he started on the 10th. 

"I was suffering a lot really from Hole 16. It's tough, it's been tough."

While the injury is not affecting his golf swing, Chacarra admitted walking the course has become extremely painful.

"It's a struggle and it doesn't really hurt when I'm swinging. That's the only good thing. It's why I can still make a score, but it's really tough to walk."

The problem has been troubling him for around a week, with Chacarra revealing he could barely move his toe after returning to bed following the initial injury.

He now has 24 hours to decide whether continuing is worth the risk, particularly with four important weeks still ahead of him.

"I don't know if it's worth it because I've got a lot to play in the next couple of weeks," he said.

"If it was any other event this week I wouldn't be teeing it up."

Chacarra will consult his team, doctor and physio before deciding whether to continue.

The decision is particularly significant given the season he is enjoying. He has already won twice this year and sits third in the Race to Dubai standings, while he is also firmly on Luke Donald's radar for Europe's 2027 Ryder Cup team.

Chacarra desperately wanted to play in front of his home fans this week, but aggravating the injury could potentially disrupt the crucial weeks ahead.

For now, he shares the lead after a round which saw three players reach 5-under par. 

Daniel Hillier, Angel Ayora, Sergio Garcia and Jacob Skov Olesen are one shot further back on 4-under, while tournament favourite Ludvig Aberg made a level-par start.

Elsewhere, Justin Rose carded a 1-over 72, while Tyrrell Hatton endured a difficult opening day with a 5-over 76.

Jon Rahm withdrew before the tournament with his wife Kelley expecting the couple's fourth child.

But the biggest question heading into Friday is whether Chacarra will even return to the course.

"I've got 24 hours to rest and see how it feels in the morning," he said.

His position at the top of the leaderboard is secure for now. 

Whether he remains there after Friday remains far less certain.

Spanish Open First Round Leaderboard