McIlroy heads to India for debut at DP World India Championship
World No. 2 relishes first taste of Delhi Golf Club’s challenge as stellar field gathers in capital
Seoul, Korea - Rory McIlroy is breaking new ground this week as he prepares to make his first competitive appearance in India at the inaugural DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club.
The World Number Two, fresh from Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph in New York, leads a world-class field at the $4 million event, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India. The Northern Irishman said he was eager to “play a golf tournament in a place I’ve never played before,” adding that, even after nearly two decades as a professional, he still relishes “doing things for the first time.”
“It’s great to be here, first and foremost. India is a country that I’ve wanted to travel to for a long time,” said McIlroy. “The course certainly lives up to its reputation. I’m excited to get out there and can’t wait to play in front of a lot of Indian fans.”
The four-time major winner is joined by Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland, and their captain Luke Donald, while American major champion Brian Harman and three-time PGA TOUR winner Ben Griffin make their Indian debuts. Nearly 30 home players, including Shubhankar Sharma, Anirban Lahiri, Shiv Kapur and Veer Ahlawat, will carry local hopes on the narrow, tree-lined fairways of the famed Delhi layout.
McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with his Masters victory earlier this year, said precision would be the key to success: “The next time I hit my driver will be in Abu Dhabi. I just don’t feel like the risk is worth the reward here. You can rack up a big number very quickly if you miss. Being strategic and smart off the tee is very important.”
With one of golf’s most decorated players leading the charge, the first DP World India Championship promises a memorable week as the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai nears its climax.