Image courtesy Instagram.
By Rahul Banerji
Masters 2025 champion and grand slam winner Rory McIlroy has confirmed participation in the $4 million DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club from October 16 to 19.
It will be the first time in his illustrious career the world number two tees it up at a tournament in India.
A statement on the DP World (European) Tour’s website noted Northern Ireland’s McIlroy confirmed his status as a global icon when he completed the career grand slam in memorable fashion this April at Augusta National.
It added the famed Green Jacket to his four previous major victories that include the 2011 US Open, the US PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014 and The Open in 2014.
“Global smart logistics provider DP World and the DP World Tour launched the DP World India Championship this season.
“Co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India, the $4 million tournament features the largest prize fund ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India, with an exciting field set to gather in Delhi.”
“I’m excited to not only tee it up in India for the first time but also visit a country that I’ve always wanted to explore,” the statement quoted McIlroy as saying.
Tremendous potential
“I’m proud to play in the inaugural DP World India Championship. I’ve always enjoyed playing a global schedule and as I have previously said, there is tremendous potential to grow golf further in the country.
“This is a great opportunity, and I can’t wait to play in front of Indian fans.”
The DP World India Championship underscores India’s growing influence as a destination for elite golf and as a strategic market for DP World.
This will be the second full field DP World Tour event after the Hero Indian Open won by Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra, and follows two Challenge (feeder) Tour events in Kolkata and Delhi.
“As the Tour’s title partner since 2022, DP World is reaffirming its commitment to golf with this new tournament,” the statement pointed out.
“It complements its broader sporting footprint in India, which includes partnerships with the Delhi Capitals, and grassroots programmes like the Second Life Container initiative and ‘Balls for Birdies’ campaign.”
Welcome presence
Added Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, DP World, “We are delighted to welcome Rory McIlroy to the DP World India Championship.
“Having a player of his calibre underscores the commitment both we and the DP World Tour have to the success of this tournament.
“India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, and DP World is committed to partnering India’s growth story with best-in-class infrastructure, expertise in global trade, and now, world-class sport.
“By bringing back the DP World Tour to India with the inaugural DP World India Championship, we are showcasing Delhi on the global sporting stage and creating a platform to inspire the next generation of talent.
“Rory will capture global attention, increase participation, and position India as a premier destination for golf.
“Our mission to support the growth of golf from the grassroots remains central to our global golf vision and hosting a global icon like Rory in India is a proud milestone in that journey.”
Fans can register for the DP World India Championship at bit.ly/DPWIC-RYI now, with tickets set to go on sale soon.
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