McIlroy embracing new territory as headline act in India

Rory McIlroy is excited to be venturing into uncharted territory as he prepares to tee it up at the inaugural DP World India Championship.

Over the past year or so, the Northern Irishman has made clear his desire to pursue opportunities to compete in new countries and he does just that this week as the five-time Major champion headlines a stellar international field at Delhi Golf Club.

An advocate of furthering golf’s globalisation, McIlroy cemented his status as a global golfing icon when he completed the career grand slam at the Masters earlier this year and he is excited to be taking his game to new surroundings.

“I'm excited to play a golf tournament in a place that I've never played before,” he said.

“18-odd years into a professional career and to still be able to do things for the first time is something that excites me."

McIlroy spoke last month ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club of a conversation he’d had a few years ago with Roger Federer about how the retired Swiss tennis star wanted to play in events and countries he’d never experienced during the closing stages of his career.

While McIlroy is by no means near to hanging up his clubs, the 36-year-old is clearly valuing the chance to continue to inspire in front of predicted big crowds at a historic venue in the world’s most populous country.

"I've watched tournaments on this golf course over the years on TV, and you know, the course certainly lives up to its reputation," he said.

"I'm so excited to get out there and take it on this week.

"Just excited to feet going and can't wait to play in front of a lot of Indian fans that will hopefully be out there over the next few days."

On the first tee with @McIlroyRory 🇮🇳#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/EWKfmUJQzG

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 15, 2025

Co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India, the DP World India Championship - launched earlier this season by - features a $4 million prize fund, the largest ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India.

McIlroy, the Race to Dubai leader, is grouped alongside Ryder Cup-winning teammate Viktor Hovland and two-time PGA TOUR winner Ben Griffin over the opening two days in Delhi.

Having seen his lead at the summit of the Race to Dubai Rankings reduced by this season's three-time DP World Tour winner Marco Penge, he will aim to strengthen his pursuit of a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy with his closest pursuer not in action this week.

Confirmed to compete at the DP World Tour Play-Offs next month in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, McIlroy has further shown his drive to test his game as far and wide as possible by signing up to compete in the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne from December 4-7 early next season.

"I would say as time goes on, my schedule will get hopefully more international," he added. "Because that's what I've enjoyed doing. I've always said that.

"But I think over the last few years, I've enjoyed it even more. I've enjoyed the travel.

"I've enjoyed getting to play in front of people that I've never played in front of before."

Source: DP World Tour