DP World India Championship begins in New Delhi amid smog and LIV Golf debates

The DP World India Championship is set to take place at the Delhi Golf Club with a $4 million prize purse. The tournament features a high-profile field including Rory McIlroy, Patrick Reed, and Tommy Fleetwood. McIlroy, currently third in the Race to Dubai standings, is seeking an eighth title to equal Colin Montgomerie’s record.

Ahead of the event, McIlroy addressed the future of professional golf, stating he would support the return of LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, noting that having top players together would be “good for business.” He criticized LIV Golf’s financial strategy, describing it as “half of a good idea that was executed pretty poorly,” suggesting capital was wasted on enriching established pros rather than building strategic partnerships.

In New Delhi, the tournament faces environmental challenges as the city experiences poor air quality. Reports indicate smog levels have reached “unhealthy” to “dangerous” categories, with AQI values in some areas reaching levels not seen in three years.

Additionally, McIlroy has entered a new multi-year global partnership with DP World, which will provide personalized fitness and recovery trailers that travel with him to every tournament on the PGA and DP World Tours.