Rory McIlroy is set to make his debut in India at the upcoming inaugural DP World India Championship, which will take place from October 16 to 19. This marks a notable addition to his international playing calendar and is anticipated to elevate the profile of golf in India.
Following a challenging week at the PGA Championship, where McIlroy finished tied for 47th, he expressed excitement about the opportunity to play in India, a country he has long desired to visit. “I’m excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also to visit a country that I’ve always wanted to explore,” McIlroy stated. He emphasized the potential for golf’s growth in India, indicating his commitment to playing a global schedule.
The DP World India Championship boasts a £2.9 million prize pool, marking it as the largest prize fund ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India. This tournament will be crucial in the context of the Race to Dubai, where McIlroy previously claimed the title last year. Officials from the DP World Tour have expressed their enthusiasm for McIlroy’s participation, highlighting his stature as a golfer integral to achieving the tournament’s goals. Yuvraj Narayan, the Group Deputy CEO and CFO at DP World, noted that hosting a global icon like McIlroy is an important milestone in their mission to nurture the sport at every level.
With McIlroy’s participation, there is a hopeful expectation that more international talent will be drawn to the emerging golfing scene in India, reflecting a shared vision for the sport’s future in the region.