McIlroy Breaks Silence on Reed and Chacarra Rivalry

Rory McIlroy opened up on close competitors Patrick Reed and Eugenio Chacarra ahead of the DP World Tour playoffs.

The world No. 2 is grouped with both former LIV Golf players for the opening rounds in Abu Dhabi.

McIlroy said he has “a lot of respect” for the way both men have fought their way back to the PGA Tour.

“I think you look at Eugenio and Patrick as former LIV players but coming back and going through the process of trying to build their way back through the game and through this tour, and ultimately both of them are going to get a PGA Tour card again next year,” McIlroy told reporters.

“I have a lot of respect for them with the way that they have done it.”

The three are neck-and-neck in the Race to Dubai standings.

McIlroy is chasing a record-equalling eighth title.

Reed is trying to become the first American to win the season-long race.

Chacarra is looking to cap a remarkable comeback from LIV Golf exile.

HERE IS THE FULL BACKGROUND ON ALL THREE PLAYERS.

Eugenio Chacarra was the world’s No. 2-ranked amateur out of Oklahoma State.

He initially targeted the PGA Tour after college.

In 2022, he became one of the earliest players to pivot to LIV Golf.

He accepted a signing bonus to compete for Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC.

The ball-striking standout achieved early success on the circuit.

Injuries eventually slowed him down.

Over 34 starts on LIV, Chacarra accumulated $16 million in earnings.

Following the non-renewal of his contract at the end of the 2024 season, he opted against seeking a return through LIV Q School.

Instead, he chose to rebuild his career through the DP World Tour.

Chacarra explained his decision in an interview with Flushing It after he left LIV.

“I see what it’s like to win on the PGA Tour and how your life changes,” Chacarra said.

“How you get major access and ranking points.

“On LIV, nothing changes; there is only money.

“It doesn’t matter if you finish 30th 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.”

McIlroy said he has been impressed by Chacarra’s game.

“He seems to excel on difficult golf courses,” said McIlroy.

“He’s got a good attitude and the right attitude about how he does things.

“It looks like he’s quite a feel player.

“Sort of hits a lot of different shots.

“But I’m looking forward to playing with him here over the next couple of days.”

Patrick Reed left the former Saudi-backed circuit ahead of the 2026 season.

He is looking toward a return to the PGA Tour come next year.

Reed did not get a Brooks Koepka-style special deal to return.

Instead, he played a full season on the DP World Tour.

With two wins, he earned his place back on America’s big tour.

He will bag one of the 10 PGA Tour cards on offer for the top DP World Tour players.

Reed is also challenging to become just the second American to win the Race to Dubai.

The 2018 Masters champion has been a big supporter of the European golf circuit over the years.

He confirmed he will keep playing on the DP World Tour even after returning to the PGA Tour next year.

“I’ll definitely still be out here playing this tour,” Reed said in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s always been a dream of mine, as well as I’ve always made it a priority to be the American that comes over and keeps my card and comes over and plays worldwide golf.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time not only on the DP World Tour but with the guys out here and everything.

“I’m definitely going to continue supporting this tour even playing the PGA Tour.

“Don’t worry, I’ll still be back.”

Reed also weighed in on the ongoing debate about Jon Rahm’s potential return to the PGA Tour.