Former LIV pro announces break from golf for mental health reasons

Former LIV Golf pro Eugenio Chacarra has announced he is taking a break from the sport to prioritise his mental health. 

The 25-year-old, currently 143rd in the Official World Golf Ranking, was expected to tee up on the DP World Tour next week at the Magical Kenya Open. 

But the Spaniard has announced on his Instagram that he will be taking some time off "to take care of my mind". 

"After a lot of reflection and many conversations with my team, I've made the difficult decision to withdraw from the Kenya Open," he said.

"This hasn't been easy to accept. Lately, the biggest challenge hasn't been physical – it's been mental.

"I believe in being honest about the ups and downs, and right now I need time to reset, heal, and take care of my mind so I can come back stronger, healthier, and truly ready to compete.

"It hurts to step away from competing that’s what I most love, but sometimes the strongest thing you can do is listen to yourself.

"Thank you everyone for all the love, patience, and support – it means more than you know. I'll be back soon."

Chacarra turned professional in June 2022 after glittering collegiate career at Oklahoma State.

He decided against trying pursuing a career on the PGA Tour, instead linking up with Sergio Garcia and his Fireballs quartet. 

Chacarra won LIV Golf Bangkok during his maiden season, drawing praise from Jon Rahm at the height of the disruption in the elite men's game. 

He left LIV Golf when his contract ended in 2024 and became one of the first players to publicly criticise the league.

Chacarra made it clear he was grateful for the life-changing money he earned, but lashed out at the broken promises that were made. 

"When I joined LIV they promised OWGR and majors," he previously said. "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."

LIV Golf were awarded ranking points for the first time last week. 

Chacarra said his dream going forward was to ultimately get a PGA Tour card, win majors and qualify for the European Ryder Cup team. 

"I see what it’s like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes," he added. 

"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."

Chacarra's explosive criticism of the breakaway tour was met with scepticism from LIV Golf commentator Jerry Foltz.