Golf round-up as Rory McIlroy signs an unusual deal before getting mocked by his rivals
Rory McIlroy is back in action in India this week(Image: Getty images)
The Race to Dubai heats up on Thursday as the DP World India Championship tees off at the Delhi Golf Club. A star-studded field headlined by Rory McIlroy features Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Robert MacIntyre, Aaron Rai, Min Woo Lee and Patrick Reed.
With the season-ending DP World Tour Championship looming in November, this week’s event carries massive weight. McIlroy enters the week in third place, sitting right within striking distance of standings leader Reed.
Elsewhere, the rebel LIV Golf league is fighting to stay afloat after losing its backing from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF). Several big names have already quit the tour, which is attempting to restructure its debts and secure guaranteed funding as it looks to relaunch in 2027. Amid a busy time for the game, here’s a round-up of the latest golf news…
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Huge deal
McIlroy has penned a lucrative new contract which could give him the edge over his rivals. The two-time Masters champion will soon have access to his own fitness and recovery trailers on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
The facilities will give McIlroy and his team a mobile performance base, meaning he no longer has to rely on what tournament courses have to offer. DP World, the title sponsor of the European Tour, will handle the delivery, installation, storage and removal of the trailers.
McIlroy, who has become a DP World ambassador as part of the arrangement, said: “When you’re competing around the world, consistency really matters. Having the same environment to train and recover in every week gives me and my team one less thing to think about and lets us focus on preparing and performing.”
McIlroy takes his physical conditioning very seriously(Image: rorymcilroy/Instagram)
Rory ripped to bits
McIlroy was brutally mocked by his peers for his choice of legwear ahead of the DP World India Championship. The 37-year-old can usually be seen in fitted slacks but perhaps due to the oppressive heat in Delhi, he has adopted a baggier look.
On arriving at the course on Tuesday, his new look was made fun of by Fleetwood, Lowry and Rose, much to the amusement of Ryan Fox and MacIntyre. It’s not the first time McIlroy has been teased by his rivals, as he was mocked last year for turning up at the Scottish Open sporting surprisingly short hair.
Content cannot be displayed without consentMcIlroy’s LIV stance
McIlroy says LIV Golf players should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, despite his previous criticism of the rebel league. McIlroy has been one of LIV’s fiercest critics since the tour triggered a civil war in men’s golf in 2022.
Following the withdrawal of Saudi backing, numerous big names are jumping ship, including Jon Rahm. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Delhi this week, McIlroy said: “Yes, I would [let former LIV Golf players come back]. I think a rising tide lifts all boats, and I think having some of these players back is beneficial for the business of the Tours, absolutely.”
McIlroy says the likes of Jon Rahm should be allowed to rejoin the main tours
McIlroy added that the membership of both tours would need to be consulted for allowing LIV players back. He can understand why some would have reservations, but added: “On one hand, I’m sure some members that stayed loyal would feel hard done by if these guys can just walk straight back in.
“But then on the other side, having these players back on your tour is very good for business and that can drive revenues up and then everyone can benefit from that. There certainly is a balance there.”