Staff WriterRory McIlroy, fresh off completing the elusive career grand slam, will tee it up in India for the first time this October, headlining the inaugural DP World India Championship.
The four-time Major winner’s appearance is a watershed moment for Indian golf – and, let’s be honest, a seismic drawcard for anyone with even a passing interest in the sport.
The Northern Irishman added the final jewel to his Major crown in April by winning the 2025 Masters Tournament – a triumph that stitched the Green Jacket onto an already glittering résumé that includes the 2011 U.S. Open, two PGA Championships (2012 and 2014), and The Open Championship in 2014.
With the Race to Dubai title also in his pocket, McIlroy arrives at Delhi Golf Club not just as a player, but as a golfing demigod with passport stamps to match.
“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,” McIlroy said. “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 golf fans.”
Set for October 16-19, the DP World India Championship boasts a purse of $4 million – the richest prize fund ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India.
The tournament is co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and signals a deliberate push into one of the fastest-growing markets for the game.
It also marks another big swing from DP World, the global smart logistics titan whose name has become synonymous with golf since becoming title partner of the DP World Tour in 2022.
The India Championship is just the latest fairway in a broader campaign that includes sponsorship of the Delhi Capitals cricket franchise, grassroots efforts like the Second Life Container initiative, and the ‘Balls for Birdies’ campaign – both delivering equipment and opportunity through DP World’s logistical muscle.
Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy CEO and CFO of DP World, laid it out plainly: “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.”
Following the success of the 2025 Hero Indian Open – won by Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra – McIlroy’s debut will undoubtedly raise the stakes and the profile of the sport in India.
And with the tournament forming part of the ‘Back 9’ in the 2025 Race to Dubai, every swing in Delhi will carry weight as the season builds toward its climax in Dubai this November.
So, whether you’re a lifelong McIlroy devotee or a curious newcomer to golf, now’s the time to get in the game.
Fans can register their interest in the DP World India Championship and receive ticket alerts at bit.ly/DPWIC-RYI.
Don’t wait until October to realise you’ve missed out – Rory McIlroy doesn’t make first-time appearances often, and this one promises to be unforgettable.
