Rory McIlroy Returns to Delhi for India Championship

Rory McIlroy is in Delhi for the second annual DP World India Championship this week as he works on promoting the game of golf.

However, Kevin Kisner has some doubts about the sincerity of McIlroy’s intentions.

“I mean, I suppose we could all say that about growing the game if the price was right,” Kisner remarked on the “Fore Play” podcast. “He’s not really focused on expanding golf in India; he just wants to pocket his $10 million and play here.”

When McIlroy’s comeback for the DP World Tour event was confirmed in April, he mentioned a desire for a “global schedule,” which Kisner dismissed, labeling it a “money grab.”

“I know quite a few players got paid for this event,” he continued. “How else could you bring an event to a place like India, with its 8 billion people, right in the middle of the city? Plus, Rory isn’t even using a driver this week. You think he really wants to compete in a tournament where he can’t use his best tool? Come on.”

It’s worth noting that McIlroy is among several golfers competing on the tight, short course at Delhi Golf Club who have chosen not to use their drivers.

“It’s either at the locker or maybe even back at the hotel, just so I’m not tempted to go get it,” he told Nick Faldo on the DP World Tour’s “The Locker Room” show.

Given the substantial money involved, Kisner finds the situation quite revealing.

“They always seem to say the right things while they’re over there,” he commented. “I can imagine a script being handed out along with your appearance fee, telling you to mention certain lines in interviews. Which, honestly, I’d do too if I were in their position. But it’s just amusing to see players like McIlroy showing up to a tournament where they can’t really utilize their top skills, while they ignore more prestigious courses.”

To add to the intrigue, McIlroy has also caught some eyes for debuting baggier pants inspired by his friend Tommy Fleetwood, though Kisner didn’t seem impressed by the change.

“He looks even shorter now,” was Kisner’s remark.

The tournament hasn’t started off smoothly for McIlroy and the other competitors. The first round faced a five-hour delay due to lightning, resulting in several players, including McIlroy, needing to complete the round on Friday. His score of 2-under 70 left him tied for 17th place.

The second round was interrupted by darkness and will resume Saturday morning.