Rory McIlroy defends India golf market importance after Delhi tournament

Rory McIlroy has defended his decision to compete in the DP World India Championship, emphasizing the strategic importance of India as a growing market for professional golf. Despite a disappointing performance at the Delhi Golf Club, where he finished tied for 42nd at 4-under par, the World No. 2 maintained that top players have a responsibility to help expand the sport into developing regions.

McIlroy’s comments serve as a rebuttal to criticism from former PGA Tour player Kevin Kisner, who suggested that McIlroy’s participation was motivated solely by financial incentives. McIlroy responded by stating that while players are paid to compete, his presence is also driven by a “genuine interest in trying to bring the sport to another country” with a massive middle class and significant growth potential.

The tournament was won by Spaniard Eugenio López-Chacarra, who finished at 21-under par, two shots ahead of the field.