Eugenio Chacarra may be enjoying a fine run of form but he is adamant “this is just the start” as he continues his new life as a DP World Tour member at the Hainan Classic.
Just two months ago, the Spaniard was an invite at the Magical Kenya Open presented by absa but he arrives for the second of back-to-back events in China with full playing privileges after claiming his maiden title on Golf’s Global Tour at the Hero Indian Open last month.
He backed that up with a top five last week at the Volvo China Open on just his ninth appearance and comes into the final event of the Asian Swing lying second in the Rankings and well placed to claim one of three spots on offer into next month’s US PGA Championship.
Reflecting on how things have changed for him over recent weeks, he said: “When I am healthy and playing good, I am one of the best players in the world so all the hard work we are putting in with my team is getting rewarded. This is just the start.
“I need to focus on my processes, keep getting better and hopefully I can have a lot more Sundays like in India.”
Being on the cusp of breaking new ground, having only previously played in a Major Championship at the U.S. Open, Chacarra is intent on keeping his head down in a bid to maintain his momentum.
How it stands with one event to play on the Asian Swing 📊 pic.twitter.com/VWDXNqjkfe
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) April 22, 2025
His run of results over recent weeks has seen him rise from outside the top 300 on the Official World Golf Ranking in Kenya to 145th this week, and he is already well placed to qualify for the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in November.
“My goals are just to keep getting better,” added the 25-year-old.
“I feel like good golf will take care of itself. Obviously, it opens up my calendar. I have a lot more events to play and look forward to.
“But all I can control is my hard work, my processes and hopefully just keep working in the same direction and if I do that I like where my game is at.”
Chacarra was in a tie for the lead heading into the final round last week in Shanghai, before carding a level-par 72 to finish in a tie for fourth at Enhance Anting Golf Club.
That was despite being impeded by an injury to his thumb he sustained while playing out of thick rough on the final hole of his second round.
“That thing that happened on Friday on the last hole with my thumb is getting better,” he said.
“I didn’t do anything yesterday and today I am planning on doing some light stuff. It is still not 100 per cent and definitely wasn’t over the weekend but I think as an athlete it is important to play when you are not comfortable.
“I gave my 100 per cent, obviously my game wasn’t there. I was afraid of hitting the ground hard with wedges, so it was bad luck what happened on Friday. If it hadn’t happen, I think there would have been a different outcome with how I was feeling and how I was playing.
“It is something that happens in sport as an athlete. I am happy and proud with how I fought and hopefully I can be a little closer to 100 per cent again this week.”
The DP World Tour is making its first visit to Mission Hills Resort Haikou this week and despite not having tested his game out yet around the 7,711-yard Blackstone Course, the venue has made a favourable early impression on Chacarra.
"It’s fun. It’s an amazing complex,” he said.
“I haven’t got to check out the course yet, but I did some practice on the greens and stuff, and it looks in good shape.
“Obviously, the heat is going to be a factor this week. I am just excited to be here.
"I have been enjoying my time in China and hopefully I can keep the good playing going.”
