Axed LIV Golf pro, 25, makes World No.1 claim: "I have everything I need"

Former LIV Golf pro Eugenio Chacarra doesn't sound short of confidence. 

The 25-year-old Spaniard was among the first wave of players to be recruited in 2022, joining the PIF-backed breakaway after turning professional. 

Chacarra linked up with Sergio Garcia's Fireballs and it did not take him long to secure his first win in the paid ranks.

A classy performance at their stop in Bangkok saw him defeat former Masters champion Patrick Reed by three strokes. 

The victory even drew praise from Jon Rahm who, at that stage, was still a duel member of the PGA and DP World Tour. 

But Chacarra's time with LIV Golf did not end amicably. 

Chacarra was not retained by Sergio Garcia's Fireballs and, although he expressed gratitude that he was made $7m richer for the experience, he couldn't hide the fight that he felt LIV broke promises. 

Chief of which was the fact LIV Golf players were locked out of the Official World Ranking System despite assurances the problem would be resolved swiftly. 

Chacarra's rant was not received well, with LIV Golf commentators Arlo White and Su Ann Heng telling the golfer to "look in the mirror" after trashing the league. 

In a recent interview with TG, Chacarra - who has joined the DP World Tour in a bid to make it to the big time in the United States - doubled down on his previous comments. 

"They told me a lot of things that never really happened, and I don’t know if it bothered me or not, but I lost motivation because of it," he said. 

"I wanted to play in majors and be in contention for the Ryder Cup. I love competing, but not just for 13 weeks a year. 

"I want to play 30 or 25-plus [events], so that’s one of the things I want to move forward towards.

"Once you win out there, like I did, your life doesn't change that much. 

"You don't get into majors, you don’t get a chance to be in the Ryder Cup, you don’t get a chance to play a lot of events. 

"That affected me as a player and I lost motivation. So me and my team thought the best way to move forward was to try to get on the DP World Tour, win on there, and then work my way up to the PGA Tour. 

"It might take us one year, it might take us six years, but that’s the goal."

And he also believes he has the skillset to become one of the best players in the world. 

He told the publication he was the top-ranked amateur player in college and there is no reason why he can't ascend to the number one position as a pro. 

"I'm still trying to move up," he said. "But I think I have everything I need to be the No.1 player in the world. 

"I'm excited for the grind and for getting better. Next season, we'll start again on the DP World Tour and I'll try to do my best. Good golf will take care of everything."

Four-time major champion Scottie Scheffler is the current World No.1. 

The American, 29, has been the top-ranked player for more than 130 weeks, making it the longest streak in history behind Tiger Woods. 

Chacarra added: "I know that if I do the right things, I have the capacity to be one of the best players in the world

"I'll want to be in the Ryder Cup, contending for majors, and at least in the top 20 in the world. 

"I know I've got a way to go, but I'm only 25 years old and I know what I'm capable of."

Drama in LIV Golf team?

LIV Golf will begin their fourth campaign next month in Riyadh. 

As ever, there are 13 regular stops and a season-ending team championship. 

The league have a few new faces. England's Laurie Canter and France's Victor Perez joined in the off-season. 

Several teams are yet to finalise their rosters. 

Brooks Koepka became the first major champion to quit LIV, announcing in December that he will not be back for the 2026 season so he can "prioritise the needs of his family". 

And another PGA Tour winner could be following Koepka out the door if reports of discontent are to be believed. 

Kevin Na, the captain of the Iron Heads, has quietly unfollowed LIV and his team on social media. 

It came after LIV reportedly tried, and failed, to sign PGA Tour member Si-Woo Kim. 

Bryson DeChambeau yet to pen new deal

Elsewhere, there is also speculation over what the future will hold for Bryson DeChambeau. 

Like Koepka, his reported $120m contract expires at the end of 2026 and LIV are keen to retain the services of the two-time U.S. Open champion.

DeChambeau recently cast doubt over signing an extension, insisting the league "has to improve" in the wake of Koepka's departure. 

A negotiating ploy, perhaps. 

Still, former PGA Tour member turned golf commentator and broadcaster Smylie Kaufman believes DeChambeau is in his element at LIV and would be wise to stick around.