The World No. 3 is reportedly being roped in to appear in a $5 million DP World Tour event at the Delhi Golf Club in October this year
Rumours are swirling that Rory McIlroy, the world’s No. 3 golfer, is anticipated to participate in a groundbreaking European (DP World) Tour event in India, setting the stage for one of the country’s most prestigious tournaments. Following Bryson DeChambeau’s debut in the Asian Tour’s International Series, McIlroy is being invited to headline a landmark event later this year, which should be music to the ears of golf fans around India.
The Delhi Golf Club (DGC) is set to host a $5 million DP World Tour event, scheduled for October 16-19, 2025. This tournament, the most lucrative in Indian golf history, represents a collaboration between the DP World (European) Tour and DGC.
Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament and Operations Officer of the DP World Tour, is scheduled to finalise the deal during his visit to India on January 22, 2025. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will formalise plans for the tournament, which will be the penultimate stop before the DP World Tour playoffs. Following this event, the Genesis Championship in Korea, slated for October 23 to 26, will close out the regular season.
DGC captain Vikram Seth expressed optimism about McIlroy’s participation, describing it as a “major coup” for the club. “With $5 million in prize money, we expect to attract the who’s who of international golf,” Seth stated. He credited DGC president Raj Khosla for his instrumental efforts in bringing this event to fruition.
McIlroy, who has never visited India, previously highlighted the country’s potential for hosting world-class golf events. In January 2024, he remarked, “India is an obvious location for a global tournament. Bringing the best golfers to India could change the perception of the game in the country.” While his participation depends on his calendar, McIlroy has expressed a strong interest in visiting India for a tournament.
Currently, the Hero Indian Open, held at the DLF Golf and Country Club, offers a $2.25 million prize pool. The upcoming $5 million DP World Tour event will not only double the stakes but also solidify India’s position as a significant player in the international golf circuit.
The tournament’s timing is strategic, offering players a final opportunity to secure rankings ahead of the playoffs. It will also serve as a key attraction for Indian fans, building on the interest created by the Asian Tour’s International Series in January. Bryson DeChambeau’s appearance at the DLF Golf and Country Club from January 30 to February 2 this year marks the first time Indian fans will see a reigning major champion perform on Indian soil.
