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Rory McIlroy to become the first reigning Masters champ to play in this country
Kevin C. Cox
After becoming only the sixth golfer to complete the career Grand Slam in April, Rory McIlroy will be making a bit more history in October.
The five-time major champ announced he'll be making a first-time trip to India to play in the inaugural DP World India Championship.
“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 in a statement to the DP World Tour. “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.”
McIlroy will be the first reigning Masters champ to play a tournament in India.
Bryson DeChambeau became the first-ever reigning U.S. Open champ to play in the country in February when he finished fifth at the Asian Tour's International Series India event won by Ollie Schniederjans. DeChambeau was the first reigning major champ to play in India since Peter Thomson in 1965.
McIlroy is in the midst of an incredible season with wins at the Masters, the Players and Pebble Beach. However, he's coming off a disappointing T-47 at the PGA Championship.
The first DP World India Championship will take place at Delhi Country Club October 16-19. The $4 million purse will be the largest ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India.
“Our mission to support the growth of golf from the grassroots remains central to our global golf vision," Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer, DP World said, "and hosting a global icon like Rory in India is a proud milestone in that journey.”
