The DP World India Championship has teed off at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC), with Rory McIlroy as the central attraction in a world-class field. The tournament, running from October 16th to 19th, marks the first time McIlroy has competed in India.
McIlroy's presence has generated considerable excitement, with fans chanting his name during practice rounds. Anirban Lahiri highlighted the significance of McIlroy's participation, noting his status as a future Hall of Famer and the perfect setting at the historic DGC.
The DP World India Championship marks the DP World Tour's return to the Delhi Golf Club for the first time since 2016. The course's unique setting, interwoven with 500-year-old Lodhi era monuments, adds to the event's mystique.
McIlroy has expressed his excitement about playing in India, inspired by Roger Federer's advice to explore new horizons. He also mentioned his desire to experience Indian culture, including attending a cricket match and visiting the Taj Mahal. McIlroy has shown interest in playing at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram.
McIlroy, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, is also eyeing his fourth-straight Race to Dubai title and seventh overall.
The $4 million DP World India Championship is co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and is the eighth of nine events in the 'Back 9' phase of the 2025 Race to Dubai. The top 70 players on the Race to Dubai standings will qualify for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in November.
McIlroy is joined by other notable golfers, including fellow European Ryder Cup team members Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Shane Lowry, as well as Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. Brian Harman, Ben Griffin and Michael Kim are also competing.
More than 20 Indian players are participating, including Shubhankar Sharma, Anirban Lahiri, Shiv Kapur and Veer Ahlawat.
McIlroy's strategy for the DGC course involves prioritizing accuracy over power. He doesn't plan to use his driver frequently, opting for a more strategic approach. McIlroy will play the first two rounds with Viktor Hovland and Ben Griffin. Fleetwood, Lowry and Donald will tee off together.
Alison Whitaker will lead the commentary team, joined by David Howell and Richard Boxall. Jay Townsend and Wayne Riley will provide on-course commentary, and Henni Zuël will conduct interviews.
Live coverage of the DP World India Championship will be available on Golf Channel.
