Where It All Started | Where It’s All Going
From the shores of Spain, to bringing Swingman to the highest levels of professional golf, for Eugenio Chacarra, golf has always been more than a sport – it was part of family fabric.
His grandfather is from Pedreña, a small coastal town in northern Spain that holds an almost mythical place in golf history. It’s the birthplace of Seve Ballesteros, the charismatic European icon who inspired generations of Spanish players. For Eugenio, that connection wasn’t just symbolic – it was personal.
“I spent a lot of time with my grandfather growing up,” Eugenio says. “My dad worked a lot, so I’d go play golf with my grandpa. We’d go once or twice a week. That’s really where I fell in love with the game.”
Those summers spent in Pedreña, tagging along at golf camps and watching his grandfather play, sparked a passion. Like many Spanish kids, Eugenio also played a lot of soccer, but by age 12 or 13, he had a choice to make – and he chose golf.
That decision was influenced, in large part, by the man who put Pedreña on the map.
“Seve’s always been my idol,” he says. “Not just because of where my dad’s side of the family is from, but because of how he carried himself, how he played the game, how much he loved it. I’ve got photos with him when I was five years old – holding his green jacket and Claret Jug. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
Today, Eugenio carries that legacy forward, among the next great of talent from a place where passion and style have always defined the game.
The College Climb
When Eugenio Chacarra left Spain for college in the United States, it wasn’t just a leap in golf – it was a leap in life.
“Going to college in the U.S. by myself, it was hard at first,” he says. “But it was the best thing I could’ve done. You grow up fast. You figure out who you are, what you want and how to chase it.”
Eugenio began his collegiate journey at Wake Forest University, a program with deep golf roots. His sister still attends the school, and he remains a proud Demon Deacon. But early on, he made a tough personal decision. To fully pursue his potential in the game meant transferring to Oklahoma State, a program built for high-performance golf. There, everything clicked.
“Oklahoma State became like a second family to me,” Eugenio says. “I became a better golfer, a better person – and I graduated with a finance degree and a minor in psychology. That’s something I’ll always be proud of.”
On the course, his rise was just as impressive. He became a two-time First Team All-American, won six or seven times during his three years, and earned the title of No. 1 amateur in the world – no small feat in a college landscape packed with elite players.
“It was a grind,” he admits. “You’re balancing workouts, school, practice and trying to have a normal college life. I was even an honorary member of a frat – so I had fun, too. But I stayed disciplined. I planned everything. If I needed to practice at 6 a.m. to make it all work, that’s what I did.”
The success didn’t come by accident – it was the product of intent, consistency and an early belief in what he wanted to become.
“I knew what I wanted,” he says. “To be one of the best amateurs in the world. And now I’m chasing that same goal as a professional.”
A Different Road
When Eugenio Chacarra left college as the world’s top amateur, he didn’t take the traditional path. Instead of Q-School or a developmental tour, he made headlines – by signing with LIV Golf.
“It was the best decision I could’ve made at the time,” he says, candidly. “That opportunity changed my life financially. I’ll never take that for granted.”
For a young player just starting out, the choice wasn’t easy. He faced backlash online, criticism from fans and intense media scrutiny. So he stayed quiet, off social media and focused on what he felt was right for his future.
“I’m still just a kid trying to make the best decisions for me and my family,” Eugenio says. “And at that moment, joining LIV made sense. I got to play with some of the best players in the world – including Sergio, one of my idols growing up – and I learned a lot.”
But after three years on LIV, something shifted. The fire that had driven him since childhood started to dim.
“I was losing love for the game,” he says. “I’m someone who needs goals to chase – and for me, it’s not just about money. I want to play in majors. I want to chase the Ryder Cup. I want to follow in the footsteps of the great Spanish players who came before me.”
When his contract expired, Eugenio didn’t hesitate. He walked away from LIV and charted a new course, returning to the European Tour with an eye toward earning back status on the PGA TOUR.
“LIV is going to be around for a long time. It just wasn’t the best fit for me,” he says. “I’m proud I was the first amateur to make that leap, and now I’m one of the first to step away and try something different.”
He doesn’t regret the past. But he’s clear about the future.
“I’ve always believed in working toward something bigger. And now, I’m ready to chase that again.”
A Life-Changing Week
At the start of 2025, Eugenio Chacarra thought this would be a transition year – one filled with uncertainty, sponsor invites and maybe a few chances to prove his game.
Then came India.
“I knew I had a real shot to change everything,” he says. “And I went all-in.”
Chacarra made the most of a sponsor exemption into the Hero Indian Open – and won. The victory gave him full DP World Tour status through 2026, put him on the path to exemption into the 2025 PGA Championship and a renewed shot at his childhood dream: earning a PGA TOUR card.
“When I’m healthy and happy, and I have a goal in front of me, I believe I’m one of the best players in the world,” he says. “That week proved it.”
The win fast-tracked everything. No more Q-School. No more waiting on invites. He now has a full European schedule, a path toward the Open Championship and the chance to finish top 10 in the Race to Dubai – which would earn him promotion to the PGA TOUR.
“I’ve dreamed about playing on the PGA TOUR since I was a little kid watching golf in Spain,” Eugenio says. “Now I’ve got a chance to make that dream real – not in five years, but this year.”
The win didn’t come easy. The DLF Golf & Country Club is a brutal test, but Chacarra knew it would suit his game. He had played the course just two months earlier and came into the week with a strategy, a plan and a quiet confidence.
“I knew it was going to be a great chance. There was a lot of pressure. But I reminded myself – this is what you practice for. This is what you dream about.”
He stayed aggressive even with the lead, guided by his caddie and supported by a tight-knit team. When it was over, he had his first win on a major international tour and his future looked brighter than ever.
“This is just the beginning,” Chacarra says. “We’ve got big goals. So let’s keep our heads down, stick to the process, and go earn the next one.”
“We Share the Same Goal” – Eugenio Chacarra Joins Eastside Golf
For Eugenio, choosing Eastside Golf wasn’t about a check – it was about finding alignment. After a whirlwind few years that included turning pro, joining LIV and capturing his first DP World Tour win, the rising star was looking for more than just a logo on his sleeve. He wanted something deeper – a family, a shared vision and a brand that mirrored his values.
“Partnering with Eastside Golf was an easy decision for me,” he says. “We share the same goals to grow, get better and make history in the game. Together, I believe we can have a long-lasting impact on the sport.”
The feeling was mutual.
“There was an immediate connection with Eugenio,” adds Earl Cooper, Co-Founder and CEO of Eastside Golf. “He embodies what we stand for at Eastside Golf, with his deep love and respect for the game, authenticity and self-belief. He’s doing things his way and shaking up the traditional pathways in the sport. He is an elite talent, and we are excited to be alongside him as he continues to forge his path, on his own terms, at golf’s highest levels.”
That synergy was obvious from the first conversation. Even after receiving calls from other brands following his breakthrough win in India, Chacarra knew where he wanted to be.
“I told my agent, ‘Yeah, this is the one,’” he said. “Hopefully I’ll be Eastside Golf for life.”
Chacarra’s connection to the brand extends beyond its ethos and into its products. A longtime sneakerhead, he’d already been a fan of Eastside's aesthetic. But what sealed it was the people – the culture of care and connection.
“Everyone at Eastside is working toward the same goal. We want to grow, but we also want to be good people. It felt like family since day one,” he says. “For me, it’s not just about golf – it’s about the people behind the brand. I’ll do everything I can for them.”
That includes repping the Swingman both on and off the course. From elevated pants to premium golf polos, Chacarra is hands-on with product development. Testing fits, feeling out fabrics and giving feedback tailored to the tour life. His current favorite? The socks.
“It might sound crazy, but I’ve always been big on socks,” he says with a grin. “They fit perfectly, they look great, premium quality and they mean something. In college I always wore recognizable socks, that’s how my parents knew which one was me.”
With global travel ahead and more starts on the DP World Tour and major championships on the horizon, Chacarra’s journey is just beginning. And with Eastside Golf in his corner, he’s walking every step with purpose.
“This is just the start of something great,” he says. “Let’s keep working and keep doing good things – so we can celebrate even bigger things together.”