The DP World Tour's inaugural India Championship is underway at the Delhi Golf Club, with Deputy CEO, deeply impressed by the event, heralding it as "the start of something bigger" for golf in the region. The $4 million tournament, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), marks a significant moment for Indian golf, boasting the largest prize purse ever offered for a DP World Tour event in the country.
The event has drawn a star-studded international field, headlined by world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, making his debut appearance in India. McIlroy, fresh off a Ryder Cup victory, is joined by fellow Ryder Cup winners Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, and Shane Lowry, along with European team captain Luke Donald. The presence of such prominent figures underscores the growing importance of India in the global golf landscape.
McIlroy expressed his excitement about playing in India for the first time, stating, "I'm excited to play a golf tournament in a place that I've never played before...to still be able to do things for the first time is something that excites me". He further added that he was looking forward to playing in front of the Indian fans.
The Delhi Golf Club, hosting its first DP World Tour event since 2016, presents a unique challenge to the players with its tight, tree-lined fairways and unpredictable rough. McIlroy, known for his power off the tee, opted to play without a driver in the opening round, emphasizing the importance of accuracy over distance on this particular course. He noted the trickiness of the course, highlighting the need for conservative play off the tee and strategic birdie opportunities on the par fives. After the first round, McIlroy admitted the course was tougher than he expected.
Adding to the international flavor, the tournament also features American players such as Brian Harman and Ben Griffin, along with DP World Tour winners like Michael Kim and Thriston Lawrence. A strong contingent of Indian golfers, including Shubhankar Sharma, Anirban Lahiri, Shiv Kapur, and Veer Ahlawat, are also competing, eager to showcase their talent on home soil.
The DP World India Championship is not only a sporting event but also a cultural experience, with a dedicated Spectator Village offering a range of activities for families and fans. The tournament is the eighth of nine events in the 'Back 9' phase of the 2025 Race to Dubai, leading up to the DP World Tour Play-Offs and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in November.
As the tournament progresses, the DP World Tour views this event as a crucial step in expanding its engagement with South Asia and supporting the region's long-term growth in the world of golf. The presence of top players, combined with the enthusiastic support of local fans, suggests a promising future for professional golf in India.
