Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2 golfer, has described his first visit to India as a major item ticked off his bucket list. The Northern Irishman is in New Delhi to compete in the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC), marking his debut in the country.
McIlroy expressed his excitement about playing in India, a country he has wanted to visit for a long time. "India is a very vibrant place," McIlroy said. "The welcome has been incredible and everyone that I've met has been wonderful and welcoming. So I really appreciate that". He is also excited to play in front of a new audience. "To still be able to do things for the first time is something that excites me," McIlroy stated.
Beyond golf, McIlroy has a keen interest in cricket and expressed his desire to watch a Test match in India featuring India, Australia, or England. "I'd love to go and see a game of cricket," he said. "I love sitting down and watching Test matches". He also mentioned looking forward to the Ashes series in Australia later this year. Although he is a fan of Test matches, he also inquired about when the next edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) would begin. McIlroy also hopes to visit the Taj Mahal with his family in the future. "It's such a big country – there's so much to see. The southwest coast, I hear, is beautiful," he noted.
McIlroy also expressed interest in playing the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, a course known for its challenging greens and daunting design. "I'd love to play the DLF," McIlroy said. "I think it's become this infamous golf course around the world, just the bunkering, and that 17th hole seems to be an absolute menace of a golf hole".
Recognizing the unique challenges presented by the Delhi Golf Club, McIlroy plans a strategic approach, emphasizing accuracy over power. "I'd say that the next time I hit my driver will be in Abu Dhabi," McIlroy joked. "I just don't feel like the risk is worth the reward," he added. "I'd rather leave myself two or three clubs back and hit a 7-iron into a par 4 instead of hitting a wedge where if you just get it off-line here and the ball is gone". He also praised Indian veteran S.S.P. Chawrasia, recognizing his success at DGC due to his straight hitting and ability to keep the ball in play.
McIlroy hinted that the DP World India Championship could become a regular fixture in his schedule. "As time goes on, I'd like my schedule to get more international," he said. "I've really enjoyed traveling and playing in front of people I've never played in front of before. This event fits in nicely". He acknowledged the difficulty of fitting the Indian Open into his schedule due to its proximity to The Players Championship and The Masters.
McIlroy's participation in the DP World India Championship is viewed as a significant moment for golf in India. His presence is expected to boost the sport's popularity in the country. "Golf has become quite a big sport here, but hopefully I can help it become even bigger," McIlroy said.
